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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: benjamin asafoadjei <prograce@att.net>
Reply-To: benjaminasafoadjei19@hotmail.fr
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2011 12:50:48 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Hello Dearest One!


 
 
Hello Dearest One!
 
I am Benjamin Asafo-Adjei by name, 23 years old, from Ghana. I was a student of University of Ghana, reading Psychology. before this predicament i'm facing now. I am an orphan being that I lost my parents a couple of years ago. My father was a big business man, dealing on Gold dust and Cocoa Exporting in Ivory Coast until his death. Before his death, we due pay visit him there in Ivory Coast on holiday periods. That was how i get to know Ivory Coast and right away, i'm there hiding for safety.
 
While my Mum was a nurse by profession. Both were shot in my Daddy's office on April 13th 2007 by the rebels following the political uprising in Ivory Coast here. Saying that he is a political investor, while he is not from their country. Before the death of my parents they had an account here in Côte d´Ivoire, up to the tune of US$9.5 Million Dollars which he told the bank was for the importation of cocoa processing machine.
 
Now as a left over next of kin, I want you to do me a favour by giving you the trust to receive this funds to a safe account in your country or any safer place as the beneficiary. So that i will becoming there as soon as you receive it. Since i can not go back to my country Ghana, because i lost my younger Sister there because of my father's properties dragging by his brothers, called them selves my uncles. I have plans to do investment in your country where i and my money will be safe. I also have intention on things like, Real Estate and Industrial Production and also start to complete my studies there in your country.
 
Am hiding now to avoid been killed as my parents were kill and not ready to come out, until you help me claim the money, then i can come over to where you are staying and have rest of mind. This is my reason for writing to you. Please if you are willing to assist me, indicate your interest in replying soonest.
 
Thanks and best regards .
 
Yours Sincerely,
Benjamin Asafo-Adjei
 
 

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