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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: "FAMILY IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <thembandlovu63@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:50:37 +0200
Subject: FAMILY IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE

KHUMS TOBACCO MANUFACTURING CO LTD.
HARARE,ZIMBABWE.
ATTN:DIRECTOR/CEO
I know how surprise this letter will come to you, But i would advice that you consider it as a request from a family in dare need of assistance. I am Mr. themba ndlovu of Gwanda town in Zimbabwe. Your contact information came to me from South African Information Exchange Control {SAIEC} during my search for a reliable and God fearing person that can assist me and my family And I quite believe on my own that you can be of great help in this regard even if i am not acquainted to you before. The business involves the transfer of THIRTY FIVE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND U.S.DOLLARS ONLY (US$35,500,000.00) into your account for safekeeping.
This fund is inherited from my late Father who was assassinated by the president's (ROBERT MUGABE) aides in view of taking his lands and property during the crisis in zimbabwe which lead to the killing and barnishing of foreign (white) farmers. After the death of my Father (A day I can never forget) I was approached by our family lawyer who told me that my late father had filed a document with him which stipulates his "WILL". In the "WILL" he specifically pointed and I
Quote, Dear Son, I wish to draw your attention to the sum of THIRTY FIVE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND U.S.DOLLARS ONLY (US$35,500,000.00) which I deposited with Coin Security Company Pty Ltd Johannesburg, South Africa with all the documents filed by our lawyer. In case of my absence on earth caused by death only, you should solicit for a foreigner that can assist you to transfer the money out of there (SA)for investment purposes. I have saved this money to make the future of my own family" themba ndlovu and my wife, that was immediately the government started eyeing my business and involvements with the white farmers. Please take good care of your self and your Mother; we shall meet to part no more. From the above, you will understand that my future depe nds on this money and as such I w investments.
You can contact "themba" in South Africa on Email Is(thembandlovu63@hotmail.com )
I will arrange with our lawyer for the modalities of transferring this fund without any hitch.
For your assistance we have agreed to offer you 35% of the whole fund, 10% for any expenses that may be incurred while the remaining 55% will be kept for us under your care till our arrival in your country. God bless you for your anticipated understanding and co-operation.
Best regards
Mr.THEMBA NDLOVU

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