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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: <rich.elis@investec.com>
Reply-To: Richard@joewein.net, Elis@joewein.net
Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 07:21:14 -0400
Subject: CURRENT REVIEW






Good day,

I am Richard Elis of Investec Asset Management.

Our firm is currently reviewing an account involving an American businessman and contacting you became necessary. In order to fully understand, I will highlight the events that brought this to you.

Some years ago, an American investor chose to have his account put under our management. I was in charge of that department at the time so it fell to me to advise him. This I did for some time and he seemed satisfied.

After a year or so the investor asked that his account items be converted to cash and transferred to another firm in Europe. This he explained was for a scheduled transaction in Europe which required substantial sums. I advised him to keep in mind there would be penalties but he was resolved. I made all the arrangements and handed the account value, now totalling $ 37,500,000.00 U.S., to the receivering firm. This was, I believed, the end of the matter. They were to handle the other arrangements.

Late last year, we got a call from the holding firm asking for any personal information on the account holder. Subsequently we found out that the account holder did not finalise the arrangements for the new account and never turned up for their appointment. We were also informed that they could not contact him for some time and eventually found he had passed away. It therefore became necessary they find his possible family relations who will be eligible to claim the account. This led to a generic search conducted by a private firm through our legal department. The results led us to several people including you. We have since eliminated the other possible relatives and are left with you.

As it stands, if this account is not retired and the money is not claimed they, the holding firm, will simply absorb it into their system being that he died without leaving instructions. I do not want that to happen so I would like to make you this offer.

I am privy to information on this account and can recommend you favourably. I want to offer you a chance to step forward and make claim. This will be done through the proper channel and follow due process hence giving full legitimacy. It will allow you safely and quickly make claim. I have all necessary documentation to support your claim but will need your assistance in order to do this. I already know from the client, during the opening of his file, that he has no family. However, I have had to follow procedure. Prior to the holding company absorbing the funds they must first exhaust all other possibilities and so depend on us to give them the negative result they need.

It is best you know all that is involved so you are better prepared. I have consulted with a lawyer who is to handle the legal end. He will use your details to register a WILL in an appropriate court. I will handle that aspect. I will also forward the recommendations to the holding company. You will handle the rest, which include making the claim. The services we need will not come cheap. Unfortunately, I will not be able to do this on my own. There will be costs to both of us which I expect to reach U.S $ 52,000.00. As I do not have this money we will have to put in our personal funds to clear these costs. The holding company will only deal with you so you will handle that aspect, as well as the claims. Also, you should be ready to travel should they need to see you. For this I am willing to share the proceeds equally with you.

I expect we can effect the transfer of account to your name within two weeks of starting. With my knowledge of the account, the backing of our records and your full cooperation I guarranttee success.

Contact me at the address: richard.elis@virgin.net for greater confidentiality.

Best wishes,

Richard Elis.

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