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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: "isabel andre" <mrsisabel1@mymail.ro>
Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2006 14:25:12 +0300
Subject: CRY FOR YOUR HELP


From: Mrs. Isabel Andre
Cotonou, Benin Republic.

Good Morning,

I make this distress call with heart full of tears to seek your urgent
help. I am Mrs. Isabel Andre, the wife of Late Major General Raimundo
Andre, former minister of defence and chief of army staff of the republic
of Guinea Bissau in the defunct Government of Kriulo Soares Viera. My
husband died during the recent coup d'etat, which deposed the former head
of state. In the wake of the incidence, I fled together with my family to
Cotonou Benin Republic and took refuge to avoid further oppression from
the incumbent government who have seized all my family's properties and
seized all accounts belonging to the allies of the deposed president.

Due to this unfortunate situation, I am desperately searching for a
reliable and honest partner in your person to assist me in receiving as
quickly as possible, the sum of Fifteen Million United States
Dollars(US$15,000,000.00) which is the only money that is still safe and
intact deposited by my late husband in a Bank in Benin Republic on my
behalf and in my name too.

I am therefore passionately requesting your kind help to move this money
out, for safety to your country under your care. I have solidified every
arrangement to prepare Legal Documents making you the trustee and
beneficiary of this fund for a hitch free withdrawal, if I will get your
positive response to this urgent plea my dear. As we meet in due course,
we shall be discussing further on other important issues regarding mutual
business relationship and possibility of securing a resident-permit for me
and my children in your country.

I am not comfortable and do not feel safe staying here in Cotonou due to
security reasons as my life is at risk. I must confess that I repose much
hope and trust in your helping me out of this ugly crises. This
transaction would be covered by the High Court of Justice Of Benin
Republic for your assurance and utmost guarantee. This is Legal and Hitch
free.

I am equally willing my dear to compensate your kind efforts and
co-operation in assisting me and my Children with (30%) only, if you can
offer me this help. Please be informed that I am contacting you based on
trust. Please do not disappoint me, your security and reputation is highly
guaranteed; absolute confidentiality should also be adhered to. Please!
Please! I pray your urgent assistance. Contact me immediately via my
private email address: mrsisabe1@sify.com if you are willing to offer me
this help, also send to me your full name and address, private phone and
fax number so that we can proceed immediately with the change of Legal
documents that covers this transaction.

Waiting to hear from you.

Best regards,

Mrs. Isabel Andre

(In Benin Rep.)

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