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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

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Fraud email example:

From: "Gregry Frank Obi" <gregry.frankobi@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 06 Dec 2005 19:38:50 +0100
Subject: GOOD DAY

Dear Friend ,
 
I am Gregry Frank Obi,an accountant in First Bank of Nigeria plc. I have an urgent business proposition that will interest you.On June 6, 1997, Mr. James BY NAME an Iraqi Foreign Oil consultant/contractor with the Nigerian National Petrolueum Corporation(NNPC). Mr. James Made a numbered time (Fixed deposit) for 36 calendar months, valued at US$15,000,000.00 (Fiften Million United State Dollars only) in my branch.

On further investigation,I discovered that Mr. James had a car accident which result to his dead,I also discovered that he did not declare any next of kin or relations in all his official documents, including his Bank Deposit paperwork in my Branch.
 
This fund US $15,000,000.00 cannot be realease except anyone apply as the next of kin to Mr. James.
 
Consequently, my proposal is that I want to seek your consent as a foreigner to stand in as the next of kin to the deceased late Mr. James since your last name with the deceased person are the same so that the bank will transfer the money to your designated account.
I have decided to give you 35% of the sum if you agree to take part in this profitable transaction,60% for me and the remaining 5% would be used to pay back the expenses that may be incurred during the course of the transaction by both parties after the fund has been claimed and lodged in your account.
 
If you are intrested endevour to send your full name , telephone numberand fax number,for more disscusion on this transaction.
I await your response.
Yours Faithfully
Gregry Frank Obi

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