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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: fbi investigation <fbi.investigation433@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 7 May 2011 02:36:57 +0100
Subject: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION SEATTLE DISTRICT

ATTENTION,

I want you to take note that the man in the possession of the international
passport you received would be arrested for impersonation and attempted
fraud. The bank have been trying to reach you concerning your funds for the
past couple of weeks now and you have not responded so far. However, your
funds have been with UBA Bank for over two weeks now and was deposited in a
United Bank For Africa Account (If you require the account details, i can
provide them if requested). The Bank have been looking a means of contacting
you through email messages and phone calls but still didn't get through not
until Mr. Frank Moss showed up to claim your funds at the UBA office in
Ghana. They had to contact the FBI since he presented an American Passport
and other information.


They requested we investigated the issue and see if we could get in touch
with you to clarify if truly you sent someone to pick up your cash prize on
your behalf.

However, you are expected to note that i would be providing you with all
necessary details concerning your account with UBA. As soon as the bank
issues the information, i would make them available to you. Also note that
you would be contacted by the bank after your account details have been
issued.


You are to provide your information again as listed below:
Your Name:
Address:
Cell Phone:
Best time to call:

Do note that we would be monitoring all payment activities closely and we
would do our best to protect your interest and make sure you get your funds
delivered to you on time without any mistakes or delay. Also, make sure all
messages you receive concerning this email notification should be kept
confidential as we are yet to find out how Mr. Frank Moss got information
about your funds.

AGENT HENRY SHAWN,
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
SEATTLE DISTRICT
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Phone Number: +233-278373626

Anti-fraud resources: