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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: "Mark Larsen" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <marklarsen1932@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:27:59 -0400
Subject: Your Consignment (Funds) Delivery

My name is Mark Larsen I’m 58 yrs old and a protocol officer assigned to the United Nation, a job I have handled for over 13 years till date. In my capacity, I am designated to over-see and investigate almost any operation I may feel is out of line.

But Three (3) weeks ago, I took a personal initiative to run a check through the six security vaults, which keeps the custody of most valuable, treasures and delicate items. Four out of the six passed without much interest until I discovered in the 5th and sixth about $17.5 Million United State Dollars respectively.

It became even more interesting to realize that your name and e-mail address were well placed and tag on it. And to my greatest surprise, the package has been pending for a long time and is supposed to have been delivered to you.

However, I want to inform you that after much deliberation with fellow officers of the United Nations, it has been agreed that the funds be delivered to you immediately. Meanwhile, before I proceed further, I implore you to re-confirm the information I have with me as stated below:

Full name:

Occupation:

Age:

Residential Address:

Telephone and Mobile Numbers:

I shall give you further details as soon as I re-confirm the above information.

Yours

Mark Larsen

Anti-fraud resources: