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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: "MR ATA N. PETER" <atapeter005@att.net>
Reply-To: <atanpeter207@yahoo.cn>
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:36:31 +0900
Subject: Mail from Peter N Ata Waiting your reply

Mail from Peter N Ata
 
I am Peter N Atta Manager in one of the banks in Ghana. My intention of writing you through email is because I believe it is very confidential. I feel quite safe and satisfy dealing with you in this Mutual Beneficial transaction. Though this medium (Internet) has been greatly abused, I choose to reach you through it because it Still remains the fastest, surest and most secured Medium of communication, I have a business transaction to share with you, for a while now some funds have been lying in my branch worth which I am the manager in charge, the amount involve sum of US$10,500,000.00.
 
For years, there is abandoned account at our branch; I need your assistance to enable me release this fund to you in your country for investment purposes by making you the sole heir to the abandoned account.If you are interested; do get back to me for more details and to facilitate the process of the release of the fund to you. If you are willing to assist/partner with me, I will appreciate it if you will send your email address so that i get back with details through your email.
As a deal of two people, I believe we have agreed on percentage sharing of the proceeds of this claim, 30% for you and 60% for me which you will hold for me until I join you for subsequent sharing and investment plan, 10% of the total fund shall be set aside for any expanses that may arise during the transfer but remember that this 10% will be removed first immediately after the fund gets to your bank account before the 30%/60% sharing. This percentage proposition is based on the fact that neither of us can execute the claim without the other and I believe it is a fair proposition.
 
I will be expecting your urgent response.
Best Regards,
Peter N Ata.
 

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