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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: George Duke <ggduke65@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <mrgeorgeduke@eyou.com>
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2007 08:29:43 -0800
Subject: RE: thanks



Hello, My name is Mr. George Duke; I am a dormant account manager at a Branch of Barclays Bank in UK. While I was browsing through some of the accounts that are on hold in our database for more than 12 months, I noticed an account with a name as yours. This account has a pending $1,950,000,00 USD transfer that has never been picked up for 2 years. But I have immediately placed it under suspense/awaiting account with open beneficiary to be picked up via Canada or any of our Diplomatic corresponding payment offices including Dubai. All arrangements have been made so I have applied for foreign beneficiary form B release which was approved for fund claim. Here is my proposition: I have obtained the approval for international certificate (British Judiciary Clearance) that will be notarized in your name for the fund release. Treat as urgent and confidential if interested.1. A valid ID card/License number as my security for my money (share).2. A letter sent to me via my private email that states you will indeed send me my share after you take your share of $950,000.00.3. Full name, address and telephone number.4. A telephone call indicating yourself as the trustee.5. Attached photocopy of the cheque that will be issued in your name which will be released to you.Reply as soon as you receive this email and call me so that I will arrange for an appointment as well as your code to be issued. Yours faithfully,Mr. George Duke.TEL:+44-70-3182-1132FAX:+44-87-1256-1833
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