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: "Razak Yanti" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <razakyanti4@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 1 May 2011 11:21:21 +0800
Subject: Hello Friend

Beloved Friend,
 
 
I am writing this mail to you with heavy tears In my eyes and great sorrow in my
heart because my Doctor told me that I will die in a months time. Base on this
development I want to will my money which is deposited in a security company.
I am in search of a reliable person who will use the Money to build charity organization
for the saints and the person will take 30% of the total sum. While 70% of the money will
go to charity organization and helping the orphanage. I grew up as an Orphan here
In Sarawak Malaysia and i don't have anybody/family member to take care of my wealth.
The total money in question is $3.5million dollars. I will provide you with other
information's once you indicate your willingness.
 
 
Yours sincerely.
Ms Razak Yanti

Anti-fraud resources: