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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: "barrisvanandrew" <barrisvanandrew@terra.com.mx>
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 02:20:19 -0600
Subject: Dear Friend,


FROM:BARRISTER VAN ANDREW.
VAN ANDREW AND ASSOCIATE,
PUBLIC NOTARY,SOLICITORS & ADVOCATE.
LAGOS - NIGERIA.

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND URGENT BUSINESS ASSISTANCE.

Dear Friend,
I am Barrister Van Andrew,Solicitor and Advocate at Law.I am the personal Lawyer to Late Engr.Thomas ,A citizen of your Country,Working in an oil servicing company In NIGERIA. Referred to as my client On April 21, 2000 my client,his wife, and their three children were involved in a car accident along Sagamu express way. All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately lost their lives.Since then I have made several inquiries to your embassy to locate any of my clients extended elatives, this has also proved unsuccessful.
After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to trace his last name over the Internet. I have contacted you to assist in repatriating the money and property left behind by my late client before they Get onfiscated or declared unserviceable by the Bank where this huge deposits were lodged, particularly the ACCESS BANK PLC. Where the deceased had an account Valued at about (US$16.4million dollars) has Issued me a notice to provide the Next of Kin. Or have the account confiscated within the next ten official working days.
Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 2 years now,Due to your from the same Country.I decide to seek your consent to Present you as the Next Of Kin,of the deceased,So that this account valued at (US$16.4 million dollars) can be paid to you and then You and Me Can share the money. 55% to Me and 40% to You while 5% for any expenses.All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us see this deal through.I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you and Me, from any breach of the law.

YOURS SINCERELY,
Barris Van Andrew,Esq

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