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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: Udomi Atua <udomiatua@netscape.net>
Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 10:01:21 +0100
Subject: With humility


It is with respect and confidence that I decided to contact you for a confidential transaction, which requires your assistance for our mutual beneficial relationship.
My name is Engineer Udomi Atua, the former chairman of contract awarding committee of the Togolais national oil (PETROTOGOLAIS) Republique du Togo.
Sometimes last three years, our refinery was engulfed with fire for almost two weeks, that most of the heavy equipment got damaged as a result of the unprecedented fire outbreak.
There was assistance from the world bank and other financial institutions for the replacement of the damaged equipment. During this period, a lot of contracts were awarded to so many international contractors all over the world.
Now that all the contracts has been fully executed, and some of the contractors has been fully paid. During this period, I was able to preserve the sum of $25m (Twenty five million United States Dollars),it was later discovered that i was involved in fund misappropriation,which lead to my running to Europe to seek for political asylum with my family .
Therefore, I need the confirmation of your interest on this transaction, so as to furnish you with further information .
Finally, if you are willing to assist me, I will give you 25% of the total money as compensation for your assistance .
While replying, send me your private telephone and fax numbers for easy communications .
Note that this transaction is 100% risk free and also, all necessary arrangements has been finalised ,awaiting your urgent response.
Best regards.
Engineer Udomi Atua.

Anti-fraud resources: