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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: "mrs. isadora thomas" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <isathomas01@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:45:08 +0100
Subject: RE: DO THIS FOR GOD

Dear Beloved one in Christ
 
  How are you doing?
 
 
 
       RE: PLEASE ENDEAVOUR TO USE IT FOR THE CHILDREN OF GOD
 
 
My intention of contacting you is to solicit your assistance for a charitable project, which will be mutually beneficial. Though I know my decision to contact you is to a large extent unconventional, the prevailing circumstances necessitated my action. I am Mrs Isadora Thomas, I am married to Late Mr. Adam Thomas of blessed memory who was an oil explorer in Republic of Benin (COTONUE) and Kuwait for twelve years before he died in the year 2008. We were married for twelve years without a child. He died after a fatal accident.
We were both devoted Christian. Since his death I my self have been battling with  both Cancer and fibroid problems. When my late Husband Mr. Adam Thomas was alive he  made a huge of money deposited in a Security Company in Abroad  as a family treasure (I will tell you the amount as we proceed).
 
Recently, my doctor told me that I have only three months to live due to the cancer of liver problem.
Having known my condition, I have decided to donate this fund to either an organization or individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. I want this organization or individual to use this money in all sincerity to fund orphanages, widows, Charity, etc. I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my Husband's relatives are into some radical organizations. I will not need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health, secondly and most importantly, because of the presence of my husband's relatives around me always. I don't want them to know about this development.
As soon as I receive your reply, I will issue you a letter of authority to the Deposit Firm through my family lawyer who will be contact you soon upon your readiness to carry out this project. 
  
Until I hear from you by email, my dreams will rest squarely on your Shoulders.
Best regards,
Mrs.Isadora Thomas.
 

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