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joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
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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:
- This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "to your nominated bank account" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "million united states dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "you are advice to " (this email uses bad English)
- "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "godwinnurmsi@live.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "MINISTRY OF FINANCE" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <drusenimustapha1@ibibo.com>
Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2011 07:55:51 -0800
Subject: Payment Solution
Urgent Attention: Beneficiary
Owing to your ordeal in getting your fund of $15.5 Million United States dollars transferred to your nominated bank account, we have agreed to make your inheritance payment by wire transfer. However, you are advice to forward your banking coordinates and telephone numbers to us so that we can make transfer.
Thank you for understanding and we apologize for what you might have passed through in getting your fund transferred. Finally, you should seize communication with whoever that claimed to be in possession of your inheritance funds.
A waiver has been issued in respect to this and you are advised to contact Comrade Godwin Nurmsi for immediate procurement of the waiver form and release of your claim as stated below;
Comrade Godwin Nurmsi
Office of the Presidency Aso Rock Abuja
Email: godwinnurmsi@live.com
Tel: +234 176 80570
Contact him immediately for the release of the funds on the said date.
Yours truly,
Dr.Useni Mustapha
Director of Finance for Minister of Finance
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Anti-fraud resources:
