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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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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "TRUST TRUST" <qstvtrust008@msn.com>
Reply-To: qstvtrust04@myway.com
Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 16:47:43 +0000
Subject: From Dr.Mrs.Mariam Abacha , I Need Your Help,,,,

ATLAS OIL NIGERIA LIMITED
(A Subsidiary of Abacha real estates)
From the Desk of her Excellency.
Dr.Mrs.Mariam Abacha.

Dear Friend,
 
This might seem very deplorable for a person that you do not know but as the title implies I am Dr Mrs Mariam Abacha, wife of the late General Sani Abacha.I am contacting you due to the present situation as regards the special panel set up by the present democratic administration in my country (Nigeria) under the anti-corruption law passed mainly to recover what they termed "Abacha's looted money". this law is yet another smear campaign aimed mainly to frustrate, humiliate, dismember and widen the scope of hatred to our family. A personal vendetta by President Obasanjo who was jailed by my husband's Government for plotting a coup d 'etat against his administration.
 
This highly calculated attempt by this administration cum Swiss government through bi-lateral relationship has taken away from us over US$1.4billion in Switzerland. The rampaging situation in our accounts abroad has yielded to the barbaric pressure and just last month we were squished out of another US$395m and all this funds can be ascertained independently. You may wish to confirm this from a leading newspaper in Nigeria (This Day) from their website at <<<<http://www.thisdayonline.com/>>>> from the archives section in the March 10,2001,January 26,2002 and FEBRUARY 21,2002 editions.
 
This government is bent on destroying our family. You may be aware that my son (Mohammed), heir apparent to the family just got out of prison after 3 years of detention. Therefore,I am soliciting for genuine partners that I can invest the family fortune that is scattered all over the world.
 
According to my estimation in West Africa alone we still have about US$18m in cash in a Security/financial institution Company that we intend to invest abroad through your assistance. For the purpose of investment in areas of your interest, contact me as a handsome reward of 20%of the total sum awaits you, subject to our negotiation and agreement. for security reason for further details for now. In the event of you not being interested in this proposal, endeavor to keep this highly confidential! Thanks and God bless!
 
If you are interested, please forward the following information to me:
(1)Your Full Name
(2)Your House Address,
(3)Your Telephone and fax numbers.
(4)Your International pass port
(5)Your Valid ID Card
 
Upon the receipt of the above details,my family lawyer will contact you.
Thanks And GOD Bless you.
 
Best regards
Dr Mrs Mariam Abacha

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