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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: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: <mr.william2edwards@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:56:59 +0000
Subject: Thanks for your concern...



Dear prospective partner,
I am Mr. William Edwards, an accountant with one of the banks in United Kingdom (Name of the bank with held for security reasons) It is due to the time constrain of this matter and the fact that I am desperately in need of assistance that I summoned up courage to contact you.
I am seeking your assistance as regards the transfer of Twenty Eight million United States dollars to any safe account; as far as it is assured safe in your care pending my arrival in your country for subsequent disbursement and further investment in your country.
Thanks as I wait your urgent response as regards this proposal.
Mr. William Edwards

Anti-fraud resources: