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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: "J B" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <johbar4@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:42:10 -0000
Subject: Thanks alot

My name is John. I am the attorney of Late Ms Elsie, who died in transit going back home from London UK. I have a business proposition for you.

Before the death of my late client, she lodged huge amount of money in a security vault/company here in Europe, amounting to (three million pounds). And she left behind strict instructions on secrecy and top confidentiality of her funds in the security company. And the only person aware of the funds is me, been her attorney.

Unfortunately, Ms Elsie has no spouse and near relative that has come up. It is on this note that you come in; I would like you to stand as the next of kin whom I will appoint and notify the security company that you are the actual next of kin appointed by by my client before her death. Please, have nothing to worry about, as I will commence processing all legal documentations certifying you as the Sole-Beneficiary to her. Be rest assured that all documents will be processed according to the law.

If you agree to do this with me, we shall both share the total amount. If you oblige then kindly send me your full name, Age, address, telephone and country, in order for me to prepare the necessary documents for the funds to be released to you.

Kindly note that this transaction requires maximum confidentiality (johbar4@aol.com). I await your response.

Regards

John

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