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@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: william_jacobus@ymail.com
Date: Sat, 17 Apr 2010 01:11:24 +0800 (PHT)
Subject: GOOD DAY...

Attention: Friend,

I am Williem 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 confirmed 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. 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 herein.

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 V. Jacobus

Anti-fraud resources: