joewein.net   joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
Try our spam filter!
Free trial for 30 days
  jwSpamSpy

Home
About Us
Spam
419/Nigeria
Fraud
Contact

"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: Williem Van Jacobus <william_jacobus@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: williem.jacobus@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 03:46:48 -0300
Subject:



Attn: Friend,

I am Williem Van Jacobus now undergoing medical treatment in doctors hospital
Bahamas,I worked with British Drilling Corporation East London for over a
decade I married for fifteen years without a child. my wife died
after a brief
illness that lasted for two weeks. I vowed to use my wealth for the down
trodden and the less privileged in the society. Since the doctor had comfirmed
my situation that I will not live long I have decided to give out my
money to
the poor.Deposited the sum of 6 Million (Six Million Great British Pounds
Sterling) with my Bank. Presently, this money is still there. Recently,my
Doctor told me that I would not last for the next 15 days due to cancer
problem.Though what disturbs me most is my stroke. Having known my condition I
decided to donate this fund to an individual or better still a God fearing
person who will utilize this money
the way I am going to instruct here in.

I want an individual that will use this to fund and provide succor to poor and
indigent persons, orphanages, and above all those affected in the Tsunami in
far Asia and the Hurricane Katrina Disasters.I understand that blessed is the
hand that giveth. I took this decision because I do not have any child that
will inherit this money and my relatives are not inclined to helping poor
persons and I do not want my hard earned money to be misused or spent in the
manner I will not like and I also do not want a situation where this
money will
be used in an ungodly manner, hence the reason for taking this bold
decision.I
am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going.I know that I am
going to
be in the bosom of the Almighty. I do not need any telephone communication in
this regard because of my health,and because of the presence of my relatives
around me always. I do not want them to know about this development.

With God all things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give
you the contact of the Bank. I will also issue them a letter of authority and
change of ownership certificate,that will empower you as the original
beneficiary of this fund,through my Lawyer. I want you to always pray for me.
My happiness is that I lived a life worthy of emulation.Whosoever that
wants to
serve the Almighty must serve him with all his heart and mind and soul
and also
in truth.Please always be prayerful all through your life.Any delay in your
reply will give me room in sourcing for an individual for this same purpose.
Please assure me that you will act according to my specification
herein.Hoping
to hear from you at my private email: william_jacobus@ymail.com

Thank you and may the Almighty bless you.

Regards.
Williem Van Jacobus .

Anti-fraud resources: