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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: "FBI HQ" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <rbtmueller01@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:49:59 +0700
Subject: ATTENTION: BENEFICIARY

ATTENTION: BENEFICIARY,
 
We believe this notification will meet you in a very good present state of and health. The Federal bureau of investigation (FBI) Washington D.C in conjunction with some other relevant Investigations Agencies here in the United states of America have recently been informed through our Global intelligence monitoring network that you presently have an unpaid contract/inheritance funds valued US$20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million United States Dollars) which has not been released to you till date.
 
It might interest you to know that we have taken out time in screening through this project as stipulated on our protocol of operation and have finally confirmed that your contract/inheritance payment is 100% genuine and hitch free from all facet and of which you have the lawful right to claim your fund without any further delay.
 
However, we want to warn you to stop dealing with any representative, office, bank in Nigeria and this includes the Central Bank of Nigeria most especially because some unscrupulous element are using this project as an avenue to scam innocent people off their hard earned money. So we have to step into this matter officially to guide you so that you don't fall victim to this ugly circumstance.
 
If you are already dealing with anybody or office in Nigeria claiming to be assisting you, you are further advised to STOP every contact and communication with them in your best interest. Your funds is no longer in Nigeria and has been secured with the BANK OF ENGLAND which is where you will be receiving your payment.
 
You are therefore required to contact the office in charge of your payment in the United Kingdom with the below informations:
 
MR. FRANK DOUGLAS (DIR)
BANK OF ENGLAND
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Email: f.douglas20@gmail.com
Phone number: +44-702-408-4301
 
NOTE: We strongly advise you to contact the office in charge of your contract/inheritance payment immediately. You are also required to reconfirm your informations below for onward processing and release of your funds to you.
 
1.YOUR FULL NAME:
2.COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE:
3.YOUR PHONE NUMBER:
4.DATE OF BIRTH
 
Ensure you contact Mr. Frank Douglas with the above required information's and also stop dealing with any body in Nigeria for your contract/inheritance payment as we will not be responsible for any loss of funds as you have been warned. Also call the number you have been provided for further confirmation and understanding in case you need any more information’s in regard to this notification.
 
Thank you very much for your anticipated co-operation in advance.
 
Yours in service,
 
Robert S. Mueller III
Federal Bureau of Investigation
J. Edgar Hoover Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue,
NW Washington, D.C

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