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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: "Brian Heather" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <brianheather001@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:21:15 +0200
Subject: Mystery Shopper Vacancy

Good Day,

We are currently seeking mystery shoppers in your locality.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
1. You will receive funding for the assignment.
2. You will receive the Instruction for your assignment via email on the location and details of the assignment.
3. You are to complete the assignment as fast and discreetly as possible.
4. You will be asked to visit a business location to conduct business be it a restaurant, shopping store etc.

PAYMENT TERMS:
You will receive a flat sum of $200/ 100GBP/ 150 Euros per assignment. The company will furnish you with all expense needed for the assignment and any other expense incurred during the course of executing your assignment.

Note: You are to follow all instructions given to you to the fullest.
KINDLY SEND YOUR INFORMATION BELOW TO PROCEED ON FIRST ASSIGNMENT TO (brianheather001@aol.com)

Your Full Name:
Your Address (NOT P.O Box):
City, State, Zip:
Occupation:
Phone Number(s):
AGE:
Name of Bank (for Wire Transfer):

Regards
Brian Heather
Service Monitor

Anti-fraud resources: