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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: Ken Gabriel <kengabriel@uk2.net>
Reply-To: kengabriel@freenet.lu
Date: Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:06:35 +0100
Subject: Business message.



Hello,
I feel quite safe dealing with you in this important business. Though, this
medium (Internet) has been greatly abused, but i choose to reach you
through it because it still remains the fastest medium of communication.
Do accept my sincere apologies if my mail does not meet your personal
ethics. I knew that this mail will come to you as a surprise, but
please do not
be discouraged with my proposal.
My name is Ken Gabriel I am an attorney. A late client of mine shares
a similar name as yours, he died as the result of a heart problem in 2004. His
heart condition was due to the death of three members of his family which
left no one as the next of kin. I hereby contacting you to assist me as the
beneficiary in receiving the funds he left behind before they confiscate and
share it board of directors of the Financial institution. The Finance company
has issued me a notice to contact the next of kin, or the account will be
confiscated.
My dear I want to present you as the sole beneficiary of my late
client so that
the huge amount ($9M) can be released. Then we can share the amount 50-50.
All legal documents to back up your claim as my client's next-of-kin will be
provided. All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us see this
transaction through one heart. This will be executed under a legitimate
arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law. Due to the fact
that I am still in active service with my firm I must use this opportunity to
implore you to exercise the position as the next of kin to the deceased and to
keep this matter extraordinary confidential. I will like you to
acknowledge the
receipt of this e-mail as soon as possible.
Waiting for your positive response.
Warm regards,
Ken.

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