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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: "TONY" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <marktony2001@airsoftmail.com>
Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:13:43 +0100
Subject: Hello

Hi,

This is purely a business proposal;here is a brief info on the subject matter.
I am the chairman tender board of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Nigeria.

We need a reliable person who will handle a very confidential transaction involving the transfer of US$55.5 million. In a covert expedient and confidential manner.
other details will be communicated to you as soon as we receive your reply.

As civil servants we are not allowed to run foreign accounts. Hence we have chosen to front and support you as the beneficiary to be paid. If you are interested in the proposal please write me without further delay.Email;marktony@airsoftmail.com

Regards

Thanks
Mark Tony

Anti-fraud resources: