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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: Freeman John <fj0000@live.com>
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:21:11 -0400
Subject: I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR YOU

Dear Friend, 

I need you to handle a very confidential transaction involving the transfer of thirty million six hundred thousand us dollars, as a foreigner l can present you as the beneficiary to the inheritance since there is no written will by the deceased, as the director of systems l have been following the records. However, l am the only one aware of the funds.

Further details about this transaction will be discussed in the subsequent correspondence. Note also that the particular nature of your business is irrelevant to this transaction and all local contacts and arrangements are in place for a smooth and successful conclusion of this transaction. 

DIRECTOR OF SYSTEMS 
Freeman John
Email: freemanjohn@sify.com

Anti-fraud resources: