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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

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

Fraud email example:

From: WERST SHANE <werstshane@aim.com>
Date: Wed, 02 Aug 2006 16:55:29 +0200
Subject: ADVENTURE?


Attention,
I am Barrister Werst Shane a solicitor at law. and the personal attorney to a
national of your country, who used to work with Shell Development Company
in Togo and as well a one time secret agent in transferring of money overseas
for the Late head of State of Togo (Late Gnassingbe Eyademan)On the 21st of
April 2001, my client,his wife and their only daughter were involved in a ghastly
motor accident along Nouvissi express Road.All occupants of the vehicle lost their
lives. Since then I have made several enquiries to their embassy here to locate any
of my clients extended relatives, this has also proved unsuccessful. After these several
unsuccessful attempts,I decided to track his last name over the Internet, to locate any
member of his family hence I contacted you.I contacted you to assist in repatriating
these fund valued at US$13.4 million left behind by my client before it gets confiscated
or declared unclaimed by the Finance Firm where this huge amount was deposited.
The said Finance Company has issued me a notice to provide his next of kin as his attorney
and Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over two years , I seek your
consent to present you as the next of kin to the deceased deposited sum in the finance
company since you have the same last names with him , so that the proceeds of this account
can be paid to you.
Therefore, on receipt of your positive response, we shall then discuss the sharing ratio and
modalities for the transfer. I have all necessary information and legal documents needed to
back you up for the claim.

All I need from you is your honest cooperation to enable us actualize this transaction through.
I guarantee that this attract no risk at all for it will be executed under legitimate arrangement
that will protect you from any breach of the law.

Upon your acceptance to this proposal,I suggest that you reply through this Private email address:werstshane2006@aim.com, for the confidentiality of this transaction.I expect your urgent
response indicating your full interest and willingness in this great business transaction to our
mutual trust.
Your telephone and fax numbers will be needed for our easy communications.

Sincerely,

Barrister Werst Shane

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