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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: "OFFICE OF THE FINANCE CONTROLLER" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <morgokenwa@i12.com>
Date: Sat, 1 May 2010 15:24:26 +0100
Subject: ''''''''''' NEW SWIFT CARD PAYMENT '''''''''

OFFICE OF THE FINANCE CONTROLLER
INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC
MANDALAS, MARINA LAGOS STATE
NIGERIA.
Our ref: ATM/13470/IDR
Attention: Beneficiary
 
SUBJECT: NEW SWIFT CARD PAYMENT
 
This is to officially inform you that we have verified your transaction payment file and discovered that the reason why you have not been able to receive your transaction payment after fulfilling all stipulated obligations and documentations is because you have been dealing with impostors. To this effect, all your efforts to secure the release of your fund failed.
 
We therefore wish to advise that continuing with such illegal acts to claim
your funds will further frustrate and stop your payment claim.We have received the express mandate and instructions of the President of AFRICAN UNION (AU) to commence the immediate release of $5,000,000 (FIVEMILLION US DOLLARS) through our SWIFT CARD PAYMENT CENTRE. Based on the AU directives, we have concluded arrangements for the release of your money.
 
The payment will be concluded through our card center which will be sent to you through ATM CARD that you will use to withdraw your funds in any ATm MACHINE CENTRE in the whole WORLD with a maximum of $1000 to $2000 United States Dollars daily.
 
You are required to provide the following information:
 
1. Your Full Name.
2. Phone and Fax number.
3. Address were you want the ATM Card to be sent.
4. Your Age and Current Occupation
5. Attach Copy of your Identification.
 
 
Reply urgently for further details from our office.
 
 
Regards,
Morgan Okenwa (Hon.)
(Finance Controller)

Anti-fraud resources: