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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: "Mrs Maria. Sara. Akin" (may be fake)
Date: Sun, 19 Sep 2010 01:04:55 +0100
Subject: Dear beloved one in Christ,

Dear beloved one in Christ,
I apologise if this mail message does not suit your personal or business ethics. I write with sincerity to seek your cooperation and assistance. I am writing from the hospital with my laptop and would need no telephone conversation to this effect because of my health problem.
I am Mrs Maria Sara from Philippine. I was married to Late Mr. David Akin who worked with Philippine Embassy in London here before his death on 2006.We was married for eleven years without a child. However, before his death we were both born again Christian. Since his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against. When my late husband was alive he deposited (Twelve Million US Dollars) in Security Company.
He deposited the fund as family treasure and not declares the real content of the deposit to the security company; rather he deposited it as gold bars. My intentions were to clear the fund from the security company at the middle of last year for investment outside the country. But unfortunately I develop a heart cancer sickness which cause my condition not getting better anymore and I have decided to look for a foreigner who can invest this fund the way I am going to instruct herein,
However, I want a Trust worthy, reliable and God fearing someone that will utilise this fund the way I am going to instructs. First I would want you to assure me that you would handle this project diligently as I would recommend. Having said this I would need the following information from you.
1)Your full name and address.
2) Your marital status
3) Your occupation/Profession
4) Your international passport or working identity card
As soon as I receive your reply I shall contact a Rev Henry Mathew who would clear the fund from the security company as I have all the document to the deposit. And will also forward my picture to you or id to know me in person before the conclusion of the project
please pray for my life.
Waiting to hear from you
Mrs Maria. Sara. Akin
 

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