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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: "AMANDA TATUM" (may be fake)
Date: Sun, 24 Oct 2010 09:23:59 +0100
Subject: PLEASE TREAT AS URGENT!!!

I am truly sorry to bother you with my problem,this has to come in a hurry. I had traveled out of town on a personal trip, Unfortunately for me I lost my bag (which included my cash and credit cards) were stolen at the hotel where I lodged, I am so confused right now, I don't know what to do or where to go to.
I did not take along with me my phone, so I have no access to phone calls if not so I would had called. that is why I am sending you an email. Please can you loan me about $450Dollars today? so I can return home, As soon as I get home I would refund it immediately.

Thanks

Amanda.

Anti-fraud resources: