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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: Assistant Needed! <thzuu12@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: thz.uma@hotmail.com
Date: Sat, 5 Mar 2011 05:43:31 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Good Day!


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ESKOM HOLDINGS LIMITED
REG NO 2002/015527/06
FROM OFFICE OF
THE DIRECTOR,  
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT
ESKOM HOLDINGS LIMITED

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
 
Attn:,
Dear MD/CEO,
 
With due respect, trust
and humility, I write you this proposal which I believe, would be of great
interest to you and for your consideration, and I also apologize for intruding
into your private email address because I know that this e-mail will come to you
as a surprise but however strange or surprising this contact might seem to you
as we have not met personally or had any dealings in the past,  to this infect, 
I humbly ask that you take due consideration of its importance and immense
benefit it will be to both of us. Please do not despair because I got your email
address from a business advertising website on the Internet before making my
contact with you.
 
My name is Mr. Themba Zuma, the
Acting Chairman and Acting Chief Executive of Eskom Holdings, republic of South
Africa . It is my profound intention to contact you for this very important and
highly confidential transaction for the transfer of US$6, 20 0, 000, 00 into
your account.  The (US$6, 200,000,00) was the over estimated balance from the
contracts awarded to both foreign and local contractors the real contract value
was $19 million united states dollars, but it was over estimated to the tune of
(US$25, 200, 000.00) (Twenty
Five Million Two Hundred Thousand United States Dollars)
only. 
 
The contract has been successfully executed by the contractors and
their contract sum of (US$19M) has been paid to them, leaving the over estimated
balance of (US$6, 200, 000.00) Six Million Two Hundred Thousand United States
Dollars which I intend to transfer to your nominated account. Presently the
money is lodged with South African Reserve
Bank waiting to be remitted to any overseas beneficiary confirmed
by my department as associate/receiver.  My main reason of contacting you is
that by virtue of my position as civil servant in my country, I
cannot acquire or transfer this money in my name. And as high placed civil
servants, the South African civil service laws (Code of
Conduct) forbids us to own foreign account. On the other hand, it
is not safe for me to keep the money here due to unstable political environment.


If you are interested in working with me as a partner, then indicate
your interest. For your assistance, you shall receive 25% to you as commission
for your co-operation and assistance in facilitating the transfer, while the
remaining 75% belongs to me. You will be free to take out your commission
immediately after the money hits your account. Since my objective is to invest
the money in a foreign country, it would be appreciated if you could also help
me with advices and direction on investing into profitable ventures in your
country.

I confirm that the transaction is legitimate and without any risks
either to me or you, it will also be conducted under a legitimate arrangement
that will protect both parties from any breach of law. I expect that you would
find time at your earliest convenient to let me know of your position as it
relates to your willingness to assist me transfer this fund to your
account.
 
My best regards,
Mr. Themba Zuma.

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