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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: "RICHARD BENSON" <r_benson02@msn.com>
Reply-To: richardb_chambers@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 07 Dec 2005 11:49:47 +0000
Subject: ok

Dear Sir,



I am barrister Richard J. Benson a solicitor at law. On the 21St of
November2002,my client, his wife and their three children were involved in
an auto-crash in LAGOS-NIGERIA. All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately
lost their lives.



Since then I have made several inquiries to locate any of my clients
extended relatives but this has proved unsuccessful. After these several
unsuccessful attempts, I decided to contact you.

I have contacted you to assist in repatriating the money and property left
behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared unserviceable by
the SECURITY COMPANY where this huge deposits were lodged,where
the deceased deposited the consignment which the content valued at about
US$9.5 million dollars. I have been issued a notice by the SECURITY COMPANY
to provide the next of kin to my late client or have the consignment
confiscated after three and half years if not claimed and We have just one
year left.



Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 1 year now
I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased since
you are a foreigner so that the proceeds of this consignment valued at
US$9.5 million dollars can be paid to you and then you and me can share the
money,65% shall be for me and 30% for you while 5% is earmarked for expenses
thatwill be incurred during the process of transfer of the fund. I have all
necessary legal documents that can be used to back up any claim we may make.

All I require is your honest co-operation to enable us see this deal
through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate
arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law.



Please get intouch with me to enable us discuss further. You may also, send
your complete contact address and your phone/fax number so that I can call
you.


I look forward to your urgent response.



Best regards,

Barrister Richard J. Benson.


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