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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: DAVIDSIDWELL <davidsidwellubs@live.co.uk>
Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2011 20:35:26 -0800 (PST)
Subject: UBS INVESTMENT BANK LONDON UNITED KINGDOM.


Your Assistance NeededFrom The Desk Of David SidwellChairman Risk CommiteeUbs Investment Bank London United KingdomWebsite:www.ubs.com


Dear,
Bearing in mind the nature of the content of this letter coming from a person without any referral, I apologize for any inconvenience, but please read and objectively consider if we can work together.
My name is David Sidwell. I am member, board of directors/chairman risk committee of ubs investment bank London. I am responsible for all risk and financial policies. I am pleased to get across to you for a very confidential and profitable business proposal.  This involves a foreign client of ours who died as a result of plane crash on 31 july, 2000.His name Christian Eich. Is unfortunate that our client and all His family members lost their lifes in that plane crash with other passengers on board, take a look for your confirmation,(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/859479.stm).
My client had an investment on fixed deposit value at eight millon, four hundred & ninety thousand great britain pounds(8,490,000.00 GBP), deposited in our bank here with no nominated successor in title over this investment. Our bank where his money was deposited has issued me a notice to contact the next of kin, or the account will be confiscated. I want you to assist me by standing as next of kin to my late client otherwise this money will be sent to the treasury by the bank.
I have already developed a full proof, legal and totally risk free means through which the fund can be released to you within a very short time after due documentation and authentication process. The strategy is to use my position and influence as accountant of the deceased to present you as his next of Kin and beneficiary of the deposit so that the proceeds of this account can be paid to you.
I want to assure you that I have concluded all local modalities for the successful transaction of this fund within ten banking days of your agreement to proceed with me as the required assistance are perfected to be safe and without any breach of law. Please contact me at once to indicate your interest. I will like you to acknowledge the receipt of this mail as soon as possible via my private E-mail(davidsidwellubs@live.co.uk) and treat with absolute confidentiality and sincerity I look forward to your quick reply and assistance.
Regards,David SidwellMember Board Of Directors/Chairman Risk CommitteeUbs Investment Bank, London, United Kingdom.(http://www.ubs.com/1/e/investors/corporategovernance/boardofdirectors.html)

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