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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: "Chief Dr Obsi Williams." <love_sandra_06@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: drobsiwilliams@maktoob.com
Date: Wed, 18 Aug 2010 01:01:18 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: RE: EMERGENCY PAYMENT NOTIFICATION!!!!!!


Dear Beneficiary
                        RE: EMERGENCY PAYMENT
NOTIFICATION!!!!!!
 
This is to inform you that MR.  HOWARD ZODIK JAMES from
Pakistan and his Nigerian partner, Dr. ABDUL OBASANJO and
Mr. C. Soludo came to my office today with a “POWER OF
ATTORNEY” signed by you and a new bank account as stated below:
 
JINNING BRANCH BANK
CHINA INNER MONOLIA JINNY
7 NUMBER 5 ROAD

ACCOUNT #: 1-277-0084
BANK ROUTING #: 102000021A  
 
The “POWER OF ATTORNEY” requested for a change in the
receiving bank account particulars and the Central Bank of Nigeria is surprising
because you did not inform us officially of the sudden change in the
beneficiary. Interestingly, they brought the “POWER OF
ATTORNEY” and the charges for the change of bank account totaling
USD$250.00 (Two Hundred & Fifty United States Dollars
only).
 
But we rejected the money pending our clarification. On this note, we acted
professionally and in accordance to the laid down rules and regulations of this
bank, I interviewed them but unfortunately I was not satisfied with the answer
they gave which was not in the line with the rules and regulations of this Apex
Bank as regards to change of account or beneficiary.  
 
I want to state here that the conduct of the two men became suspicious due to
the unsatisfactory information they provided concerning this transfer, and as a
result, I decided to give them two (2) days appointment ahead to enable me make
necessary verification from you and the appropriate authorities in the release
of your fund. We have resolved to do that to avoid making wrong transfer.
Please, kindly advise us appropriately whether the two men are acting on your
permission and instructions or not. I am anxiously looking forward to receive
your urgent response.

Thanks for your anticipated co-operation.
 
Yours faithfully.
Chief Dr Obsi Williams. 
Director KTT/ Wire Transfer Dept.

Call me on this Phone: 234-802-132-5194.
E-mail: drobsiwilliams@maktoob.com



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