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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: "Dr. Mrs Mary Brown." <adams.1015@rediffmail.com>
Reply-To: development_bank888@globomail.com
Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:58:43 -0800 (PST)
Subject: From The Desk Of Dr. Mrs Mary Brown.




 From The Desk Of Dr. Mrs Mary Brown.
The President, African Development Bank Plc.
Website:(www.afdb.org).
 
ATTENTION: CUSTOMER,
 
I am Dr.Mrs Mary Brown , the President, African Development Bank Plc. This is to bring to your notice that my office has taking over all the money transaction Originated from any part of Africa and Europe countries as Contract Payment, Fund Inheritance or Lottery Winning due to Unauthorized/Incapability of Financial Institutions/Security Companies in releasing such huge sum of money Due to Fraud, Terrorist and Money Laundry activities going on World Wide.
 
The World Bank Group has mandated the African Development Bank (ADB) via my Office to release funds to beneficiaries through a means preferable by the Beneficiary, Hence your name appears as one of the fund beneficiaries whom their fund was successfully cleared for payment. Your money will be release to you Through a means preferable by you to avoid paying excess charges.
 
 You are therefore advised to confirm your direct telephone numbers, Your Complete name and your address to us for immediate release of your money, most Importantly be aware that (Two Million United States Dollars Only (US$ 2, 000, 000.00) was allocated to you as the approved amount due to you. Be also informed that all the documents regarding this approval and Authorization has been issued in your name, therefore be aware that your funds Has obtained all her clearance to be released to you.

But you are own to pay us US$68.00 for our consultant charges through Western Union Money Transfer with below information.

Receiver’s Name…………..Mr Nwakwe Mrracle
Country……………………Benin Republic
City……………………….. Cotonou
Text Question……………….Colour
Answer…………………….Green
Amount…………………….$68usd
Sender’s Name…………………..?
MTCN……………………….?
 
Congratulations as we look forward for your urgent response to enable us perfect The release of your funds.
Yours faithfully,

Dr. Mrs Mary Brown.
Africa Development Bank Plc  


Anti-fraud resources: