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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: Mr.Ansah Kofi <akofianyim@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 03 Oct 2007 07:44:23 +0200
Subject: For you

My Good Friend,
                    
I am very sorry I have to reach you through this fastest and safest medium. My name is Mr.Ansah Kofi Anyim, the Executive Director (Accounts) of the Pan African Bank, Ecobank Ghana. I wish to execute this deal with you of which by mutual consent will be a life investment for both of us.

May I take you back in brief to the anxiety created by Y2K bug in the year 2000, there were strong fears in banking industries of possible collapse and mal-function of the IT and Accounting Network. This apprehension which was fuelled by the views and comments of Telecom experts and analyst all around the world prompted members of my office to manipulate undiscovered interest figures with sole aim of profiting from the impending Y2K crises. Though the accounting system suffered minor computer glitches of which we reported a major collapse resulting to an accountability of about $20M (Twenty Million US Dollars). With the passage of the Year 2000 and having covered up the alleged loss of this money till date. We are very confident now to revalidate the payment documents to your names as the original owner of these Funds.

I need to let you know (privately) that a Diplomat attached to the United Nation office here in Ghana help facilitated the diplomatic packaging and delivery of these funds to a secure bank account in the United Kingdom and base on our instructions, this fund was PLACED with the UK bank without a beneficiary. I urgently require your co-operation to effect immediate ownership of this funds. You must know that as the Executive Director (Accounts) of this bank, I cannot be directly connected to this money thus; I request for your assistance to effect claim of this money and as well invest these funds into a lucrative investment in your country.

The very best and interesting thing about this deal is that it will not take more than 5 working weeks to conclude. All I need from you is to apply to the management of the bank in UK and present yourself or your company as the original owner of the fund with them (Having provided to you all the necessary deposit documents).I do need to assure you that there is no risk involved in this deal if only you will be very honest and sincere to me. If you are willing and honest,please reply.

Thanks for your time.
Mr.Ansah Kofi Anyim
ED (Accounts),Ecobank Ghana
19, Seventh Avenue Ridge West,Accra North Ghana.

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