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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: "World bank" <wbnk2@w6f2z6naz.homepage.t-online.de>
Reply-To: <centeraw@voila.fr>
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:48:35 -0800
Subject: Re-Confirm Your Account

World Bank Switzerland
Address, 74 Route de Sauverny,
Geneva, CH-1290, Switzerland


Presenting this letter to you for the transfer
of your fund USD15.700.000.00.

Attention: Beneficiary.
World Bank Switzerland wish to notify you that your overdue payment has been released and approved by the Federal
Ministry of Finance, we have turned our micro system on to transfer your money through our Reserve Account as agreed with UNO London and IMF United States, therefore, reply to this e-mail very urgently as soon as possible with information below to enable us commence your transfer as directed.
Your full name and address
Banking details and address
Telephone and Fax number for easy communication.
Once we receive the required information, we shall proceed with your transfer without any further delay.
Your in service.
Pamela Cox
Director World Bank Switzerland

Anti-fraud resources: