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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: "Mr.John Hanson" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <johnhanson070@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:38:56 -0700
Subject: Western Union Payment....20.9.2010.

Send Money Worldwide
 
Dear Beneficiary,
 
There is an issue with the WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER in the amount of $850,000.00 USD  directed in cash credited  to file  UNP/9066336466/08, at
the  owner of this email address.
 
The International Monetary Fund in collaboration with the Government of this country contacted us for your compensation a couple of hours ago due to
your allocated security code which your email address was selected with an automated machine that selects email addresses through internet.
 
So we require some more information in order to complete this transfer.
FULL NAME:-------------------------------------------------
FULL CONTACT ADDRESS:--------------------------
MOBILE PHONE NUMBER:---------------------------
OCCUPATION:---------------------------------------------
MARITAL STATUS AND AGE:----------------------
 
 
 
In order to resolve this problem,please email via Western Union Solicitors Fund Verification Department:
 
 
Name: Mr.Steve James
Email:stevejames.westernunion@gmail.com
TELEPHONE:+234 808231 9935
 
 
As soon as this information is received,and you have Complied  with the requirements of payment of the western union charges,payment will be made to
your nominated bank account or at the counter directly from The Western Union Transfering Bank. When emailing,please use reference number 72912 for our mutual
 
convenience.
 
 
Sincerely,
Mr.John Hanson
Western Union Payments
As we focus on making a difference in people's lives, people focus on Western Union and acknowledge the possibilities we offer to those we serve

Anti-fraud resources: