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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 about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Dr Mike Obi" <drmikeobi@msn.com>
Date: Mon, 27 Feb 2006 12:00:57 +0000
Subject: HELLO:

Dear sir,
I am Mr. mike obi, I work as a Manager, Bills and Exchange with zenith  bank ,
plc. I have an urgent and very confidential business proposal for you. An
American Oil consultant/contractor, Mr. morris thompson, deposited funds with
us, his bankers,zenith international bank plc to the tune of £6,300,000.00
dollars (SIX Million, Three Hundred thousand dollars). He died in an automobile
accident. He died with his wife and two kids without leaving any relations. I
have tried several years after his death to trace any of his relations that
might come over to claim the funds deposited with us as his next of kin but
found none. I was his accounts officer and managed his account for him until his
death. I was soon promoted to become Manager in the Bills and Exchange
department and this makes all easy for us as I know how to go about getting the
funds transferred to you successfully.
This funds if not claimed before the expiration of 60 days, the entire funds
will be reverted to the ownership of the  Government. Consequently, my proposal
to you is that I want you as a foreigner to stand as the next of kin to the
deceased so that the funds will not be claimed back by the Government officials
here. So what I want us to do is simple, I will like you to be presented as the
next of kin to the deceased. Your nationality or person does not matter. All
that I need is a sincere personality to accomplish this project. Please note
that your name or where you come from does not matter at all because all the
necessary documents/changes will be done by me in your favour as the
beneficiary. I am manager here and I will prepare the necessary documents for
the drafting and notarization of the WILL and obtain the necessary documents and
letter of probate/administration in your favour to show that you are the next of
kin to the deceased.
The bank's Board Of Directors will at the end of the day contact you after going
through the documents that the deceased lawyer will provide for you. Take note
that the total sum, £6,300,000.00 dollars will be shared in the ratio of 60% for
me while 30% will be for you for assisting us with claiming the funds. 10% of
the funds is set aside for any incidental expenses in the course of the transfer
to you. There is no risk involved at all, the paperwork for this transaction
will be done legaly, this will guarantee the successful execution of the
transaction. If you are interested, please reply immediately, and upon your
response, I shall provide you with more details and relevant documents that will
help you understand the transaction.
Please observe utmost confidentiality and be rest assured that this transaction
would be most profitable for both of us because I shall require your assistance
to invest my share in your country and I also want to donate some part of my
share to charity and more information will come your  way upon your response.
Upon the reciept of this mail message, feel free to send to me the following, to
enable us start the process:
1. Your full Names and contact address.
2. Your private Telephone, cell phone and fax numbers.
Thanks and best regards in anticipation of your response.
Sincerely,
MR. mike obi
ZENITH BANK PLC NIGERIA.
TEL:234-80333-782-64

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