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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Fraud email example:

From: "Smith Michael" <smithmichael45@msn.com>
Reply-To: smith_micheal1973@yahoo.com
Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2005 14:48:38 +0000
Subject: Assistance neeeded

Dear Friend,

Firstly, not to cause you embarrassment, I am
Barrister Smith Michael, a Solicitor at law and the
personal attorney to late Mr.Zemenu Gente a National
of France, who used to be a private contractor with
the Shell Petroleum Development Company in Saudi
Arabia, herein after shall be referred to as my
client. On the 21st of April 2001, he and his wife
with their three children were involved in an auto
crash; all occupants of the vehicle unfortunately lost
their lives.

Since then, I have made several enquiries with his
country's embassies to locate any of my clients
extended relatives, this has also proved Unsuccessful.
After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided
to Contact you with this business partnership
proposal. I have contacted you to assist in
repatriating a huge amount of money left behind by my
client before they get confiscated or declared
unserviceable by the Finance/Security Company where
these huge deposits was lodged. The deceased had a
deposit valued presently at $21million US Dollars and
the Company has issued me a notice to provide his next
of kin or Beneficiary by Will otherwise have the
account confiscated within the next thirty official
working days.

Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the
relatives for over 2 years now, I seek your consent to
present you as the next of kin / Will Beneficiary to
the deceased so that the proceeds of this account
valued at $21Million US dollars can be paid to you.
This will be disbursed or shared in these percentages,
60% to me and 40% to you.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,
Confidentiality and Trust to enable us see this
transaction through. I guarantee you that this will be
executed under a legitimate arrangement that will
protect you from any breach of the law. Please get in
touch with me urgently by
E-mail:smith_micheal1973@yahoo.com

I am presently in London and provide me the following;
1. Full Name
2. Your Telephone Number and Fax Number
3. Your Contact Address.

Your urgent response will be highly anticipated and
appreciated.

Best regards,

Barrister Smith Michael.


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