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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: FEDERAL BUREAU INVESTIGATIONS <bankofafrica_bfb@yahoo.fr>
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:27:01 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: CYBER WIRETAP & FUNDS RECOVERY DEPARTMENT


CYBER WIRETAP & FUNDS RECOVERY DEPARTMENT,
FBI  INTERNET FRAUD & SCAM UNIT.
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, (FBI).
J.EDGAR HOOVER BUILDING
935 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE,
NW WASHINGTON, D.C
20535-0001, USA .
 

 
We believe this notification meets you in a very good state of mind and health. The FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI) Washington, D.C United States of America in conjunction with FBI UK Internet Fraud Watch/Alert have recently been
informed through our Global intelligence monitoring network that you have a pending Fund transaction with  Western Union Office Benin which has been investigated and confirmed their genuity.  It might interest you to know that we have taken out time in screening through this whole transaction as stipulated on our protocol of operation and have finally confirmed that AFRICA DEVELOPMENT BANK, western Union department is the only authorized Bank to get all the fund instalmentally transfer to you.
 
However, Remember that the western union office contacted you sometime ago over your fund but you have poor response regarding your fund, Several investigations by us have shown that you have been dealing with some unauthorized persons and Companies regarding some internet transaction which proof un-geniune. You are hereby INSTRUCT to quit all the mail conversation with any other persons or individuals accept Dr Madela Freeman of AFRICA DEVELOPMENT BANK(ADB).
 
 
Our UK attachee agent recently had a meeting with the Ambassador of  UNITED STATE EMBASSY at Benin, in the person of Hon. Gayleatha B. Brown, along with some other top officials of your EMBASSY, regarding your case and they made us to understand that your file has been held in abase pending when you personally file for your claims. They intimated him that the only problem they are facing right now is your delay over the claim of your Fund with the  which has mandated our office to Embark on an investigation after three days from today.
 
Most  importantly, We advise you to discontinue further dealings with any person or organization posing as staff of Courier Company, Banks  or affiliate of any Company or agency concerning the Transfer of your fund for your own interest, You are advised to immediately contact Western Union outlet at Benin on the following details for the onward release and instalmental transfer of your fund by geting them the requirement needed for the transfer, Which stipulation indicated that the Federal Government of Benin is tempting to confisicate your fund and deny your right as the owner of the fund.. 
 
The Federal Bureau Of  Investigation is just trying to make you understand that you must finish the process within 2 working days to get your fund commence transfer before is too late at the virtue of our vecto powers you are only required to pay $385 usd only for the Authorization transfer fee as demand by International transfer policy of 1993 as amended by United Nation Economic Comission or we would be force to embark on an Investigation and you stand a chance of lossing your fund. So you are advise to try your best to come up with the requirement within 2 days time.
 
 
Be officially guilded that you have TWO (2) working days to comply with the Directives given to enable them conclude with you or else we take care of the case over the climax  of  the transaction to fish out the situations.
 
ORGANIZATION: AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC.
WESTERN  UNION  DEPARTMENT.
CONTACT PERSON : Dr Madela Freeman
EMAIL:  africandevelopbankcbr@yahoo.cn
Tel: 00 (229) 96560990.
 
    
Contact the above office for they are the only genuine office  confirmed by our office having internet trnsaction with you, We are here to protect the general public not to engage on fake internet transaction, Keep us posted or you are free to ask your questions by reply, This e-mial is specifically meant for your eyes alone, DO NOT DISCLOSE THIS MESSAGE TO ANY ENTITY, PERSON'S, INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATION BECAUSE IS HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL.
 
Best Regards,
 
Head of Internet Department
Agent Lavine F. Ferdon.
FBI, Special Monitorin Units.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Washington DC, USA
 
Best Regards,
 
Head of Internet Department
Agent Lavine F. Ferdon.
FBI, Special Monitorin Units.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Washington DC, USA



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