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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: "darren scott" <darren_scott77@hotmail.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 03 Jul 2006 13:40:38 +0000
Subject: RE: Email

Dear Singh,
Thank you for your mail.I have taken the liberty to explain the perfected
modalities to consumate the object of this project.First i have to reiterate
my resolve to carry out this transaction within the jurisdiction of both
local and international laws and it is for this reason that i have decided
to acquire the necessary documentation with regards to the funds.With all
relevant documents in place,the issue to receiving the funds will not pose
any risk to all parties involved.
For clarity i will outline the perfected modalities:
1. The preparation of the legal papers will be carried out by an attorney
which i will employ.He will prepare the "WILL"and Testament bequeathing the
assets of the deceased to you and this includes the deposited funds with the
bank.Infact after reading your mail,i have commenced discussion with this
attorney on arrangements to draft and prepare this "WILL" making you the
sole heir of the inheritance,which he has agreed to do.He has promised that
he will deliver this "WILL" in two or three days time after receiving the
necessary information from you.
After the drafting and notarization of the "WILL"at the notary public,he
will then go ahead to procure the "LETTER OF PROBATE".This document is the
final document that gives you legal authorization to lay claim to the funds
and also gives you the authority to request for the transfer of these funds
into your nominated account.I will be sending you a copy of the "LETTER OF
PROBATE" for your perusal and filing when the attorney concludes.I will pay
the charges of the attorney.
The basic requirement of this transaction from you is for you to set up an
account with a private bank which is my bank's affiliate bank in Europe.The
reason fo this is that since the september 11th saga,all huge transfers by
my bank to any individual or corporate body is been transfered through their
affiliate bank. In doing this, you would have to activate the account with a
required minimum opening balance like other banks to enable it host the said
amount of funds.
I do not want a situation whereby we would have to pause after we have
started due to lack of funds to activate the account. Whatever amount spent
in activating the account would still remain in the account as your balance.
Another reason for setting up an account with the affiliate bank is that i
want the funds to be taken out of my bank without raising any eyebrow. You
must understand that this is a deal and we must make sure that we do not
leave any stone unturned. I worked out the modalities for this transaction
and i am very positive that if we work together following these modalities,
we would be successful and have course to count our blessings as soon as
possible.
I would like to hear from you soonest so that we can proceed further. It is
very important that you understand that the future of my family depends on
the successful conclusion of this transaction hence, i would not entertain
any form of laxity once we commence but would prefer if we follow up this
transaction vigorously to make sure that we achieve our set out goal
immediately.
I appreciate your decision to partake in this transaction with me and be
rest assured that we would be together soon for further investment
opportunities in your country.
I would require you to send me your personal details as listed below so that
the attorney can commence the documentation process.
1.Your full names and personal address
2.Your date of birth
3.Your place of birth
4.Your phone and fax numbers
5.Your Occupation
Upon the receipt of your phone number,i will give you a call so that we can
discuss some more.
Please, do respond back as soon as possible.
God bless and my regards
Darren Scott

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