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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: "Dr. Jimmy A Koffi" (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:24:32 -0800
Subject: thank you.

 
Dear Sir/Madam
 
ASSISTANCE REQUIRED FOR SOURCING/PURCHASE OF MACHINERY
 
A Good day to you and your wonderful family.Excuse my communication through email, on an issue as important as this one.We shall definitely open up a more confidential form of communication as soon as I receive a response from you.
 
I write to inform you of my desire to purchase and import Machinery in your country on behalf of the Director of Contracts and Finance Allocations of the federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources of my country.
We have made the necessary enquiries, and we have been informed that the Machinery are available and can be obtained in your country. Hence our desire to have an overseas agent is very important. I have therefore been directed to inquire if you would agree to act as our oversea agent in order to actualize this transaction. Please note that this transaction is legitimate and is not in any way related to Drugs, Arms or Terrorism.
 
It may interest you to know that our government, having realised that Crude oil is not the only source of income for the country, has began serious programes in the areas mentioned above. This is why we are taking advantage of the situation to establish an out fit, that would handle such matters. This way, we can either sell, lease or even execute contracts for individuals,organizations or the government.
 
In the light of this, I would like you to indicate your willingness and
ability to assist us by forwarding to me, your detail particulars such as
your company name and address,your personal fax and telephone numbers for easy communication. The total amount involved in this transaction is US$31MILLION and we have agreed to give you 30% of this amount (US$9.3M)for your participation.
 
You are requested to communicate your acceptance of this proposal through my above stated email address after which we shall discuss in details the modalities for seeing this transaction through. Your prompt response will be highly appreciated. As soon as I receive a positive response from you, I shall give you a complete picture of the transaction.
 
A comprehensive agency agreement would immediately be prepared and I shall send a form of identification. This would enable you know with whom you are dealing.
 
Thank you in anticipation of your cooperation.
 
Yours faithfully,
DR. Jimmy A. Koffi

Anti-fraud resources: