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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: "alexodesmond smith" <alexodesmondsmith_law@msn.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2005 17:20:24 +0000
Subject: URGENT ASSISTANCE NEEDED

FROM:BARRISTER ALEXO DESMOND SMITH.
ALEXO DESMOND CHAMBERS,
PUBLIC NOTARY,SOLICITORS & ADVOCATE.
LAGOS - NIGERIA.
Email:alexodesmondsmith_san@yahoo.com
Mobile direct line: 234-802-889-6937

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND URGENT BUSINESS
ASSISTANCE.


Dear Sir/Madam,

I am Barrister Alexo Desmond Smith,Solicitor and Advocate at Law.I am the
personal Lawyer to Late Engr.Thomas,A citizen of your Country,Working in an
oil servicing company In NIGERIA.Mr.Thomas,his wife and thier three kids
Referred to as my client On April 21, 2000,were involved in a car accident
along Sagamu express way. All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately lost
their lives.Since then I have made several inquiries to your embassy to
locate any of my clients extended relatives, this has also proved
unsuccessful.


After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to trace his last name
over the Internet. I have contacted you to assist in repatriating the money
and property left behind by my late client before they Get confiscated or
declared unserviceable by the Bank where this huge deposits were lodged,
particularly the INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC. Where the deceased had an
account Valued at about (US$16.4 million dollars) has Issued me a notice to
provide the Next of Kin. Or have the account confiscated within the next ten
official working days.


Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 2 years I
have contacted you since you are from the same Country.I decided to seek
your consent to Present you as the Next Of Kin,of the deceased,So that this
account valued at (US$16.4 million dollars) can be paid to you and then You
and Me Can share the money. 55% to Me and 40% to You while 5% for any
expenses.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 and Me, from any breach of the law.So what
i will require from you is to send me these details below;

1.FULL NAMES
2.CONTACT ADDRESS
3.TEL/FAX NUMBER
4.MOBILE NUMBER
5.AGE
6.OCCUPATION
7.SEX
8.COUNTRY

With these details i will now file an application to the bank presenting you
as the next of kin to my late client,please send me these details
immediately as we cannot afford delays .
Thank you as i await your urgent response and call me on my Mobile direct
line:234-802-889-6937 for further discussions.

YOURS SINCERELY,

Barrister Alexo Desmond Smith,
(Principal attorney).


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