joewein.net   joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
Try our spam filter!
 Free trial for 30 days
   jwSpamSpy
Home
About Us
Spam
419/Nigeria
Fraud
Contact

"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: "West African Monetary Agency (WAMA)" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <justice4all2011@yahoo.cn>
Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2011 02:21:29 -0000
Subject: URGENT NOTIFICATION

The Economic Community of West African States
Office of the Director Banking and Payment System
West African Monetary Agency (WAMA)
101, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro District
P.M.B. 401 Abuja, Nigeria
Tel: +234-812-232-1005
 
                                                     2011 EXTERNAL DEBT MEMO
Dear Sir / Madam,
 
WAMA FUND PAYMENT INTERVENTION
 
This is to congratulate you and officially inform you that your over due payment has been approved for immediate payment by direct wire Transfer to your Bank account.
 
This new method of payment was personal approved by the eight Central Banks of ECOWAS member States because of the fraudulent practices going on in our member States Banks and most of our Governments officials which have failed to carry out their duties effectively. All you need to do now is to forward immediately youre your Full banking information, direct phone number and fax number and your payment information. The Sum of USD$9.5 Million has been Approved by the eight Governors of the Central Banks of ECOWAS.
 
However to enable me start the processing of the payment in your favour, you are to furnish me with the under listed information.
 
Your Full Names....
Your Address....
Your Telephone number...
Your Identification (international passport or Driver's License...
Your Full banking Information…
 
Once I receive these requested information, I will commence action.
I look forward to receiving the information ASAP.
 
Sincerely
 
Mr. Abayomi Atoloye
Director Banking and Payment System
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

Anti-fraud resources: