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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: makaha makamu <m_makamu@hotmail.com>
Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:03:39 +0100
Subject: URGENT REPLY



Dear sir/Madam,
Firstly, I am aware that some people use this same avenue to defraudinnocent ones but please, this is not one of them.
I am Mr.Makaha makamu, personal assistant to former managing Directorof African Petroleum {AP}. He was appointed to head the Oil marketingCompany in 1991. Having handed over to his successor and subsequentembankment on privatization, there are some concealment of funds from PEAT MARWICK, an external auditors which Conducted due diligence for the Bureau for public Enterprises {BPE} on AP, which Mrs. Helen Chigbue heads now prior to its Privatization. There is an excess concealment of fund which we want you to assist ussecure into your Company’s account or private account to avoid beenseized by the Government. The sum is 112.2m dollars and you will begladly compensated with 20% after the deal is done. He cannot deposit the fund in any account with identity. This is urgent and I need yourassistance.
Right now, the money is in a secret account with a commercial bank inEurope . If you can secure the money, we will want you to be present inthe bank and have meeting on our behalf with bank officials on the best way to move the money into your account. We seek your confidence and with assurance that there is no illegality with the transfer. Thank you and I am looking forward to seeing your reply
Sincerely yours
Mr.Makaha makamu

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