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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: Morgan Williams <morgwilliams1954@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:08:56 +0100
Subject: ENQUIRIES !




Good Day,

I want to bring to your knowledge of a very lucrative business opportunity that I have. Well I work as a fiduciary agent that disburses funds to various contract beneficiaries under the Standard Bank of Nigeria (SB); I have a pending deal that can be of great and mutual benefits to you and me i.e. if you promise to keep optimum confidentiality.


Meanwhile I do foresee the surprise this letter will bring to you as it comes from a stranger, but be assured that it comes with the best of intentions not SCAM. I got your contact from a search into the Internet and was inspired to seek your cooperation. I am aware of the risks involved in sending this letter by email, therefore I ask that you consider the factors below and keep it strictly confidential. However, if you are unable to meet my demand, kindly discard of it.


I am contacting you through this means due to the urgency required for us to immediately transfer the said funds in the consignments from United Kingdom where the fund are currently kept in a vault of a private security firm.


Meanwhile the amount of the funds lodged is in excess of USD33M (Thirty Three Million United State Dollars).I am willing to offer you 25% of the total sum as compensation for your effort/input after you successfully secure the funds in your custody overseas and also map out 5% for any expenses that may arise. Also note that an agreement would be drafted in respect of this. I will invest my share into any viable business you suggest.


In your acceptance to my proposal please forward to me the following:


(1) Your mailing address
(2) Your private phone and fax


I want to assure you that this business proposal is 100% risk free as i have done my homework properly. I quite believe that you will protect my interest by taking this deal strictly confidential, as i am still in government service, which i intend to retire from in full honor.

Thank you and God bless.


Regards,

Morgan Williams



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