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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: "Union bank Plc." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <nikbnson1@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:01:35 -0400
Subject: Delayed fund payment notice

Mr. Nicholas Benson
Union Bank Foreign Operation Dept.
STALLION PLAZA,
36, Marina Lagos,
Nigeria.
This is to officially inform you that we have verified your contract/Inheritance sum of $5,000,000 (Five Million United State Dollars) payment file and discovered that you have not received your payment due to inconsistencies with your payment record arising from alteration of your files.
After the Board of director's meeting held in Abuja, the Central Bank of Nigeria has directed us (Union bank) to proceed with the transfer of your funds to you with due compliance to the banking guideline. we are resolved to helping you receive your fund if you follow our directive.
We have different options of payment to foreign beneficiaries. Option of telegraphic transfer, swift ATM card payment and secured fund delivery. You should indicate the option convenient for you. Given that the fund has been in a nonoperational bundled deposit account, the funds will be transferred in bulk irrespective of the choice of transfer you deemed fit.
For us to proceed with validation of your fund transfer process, you are required to reconfirm in details the below required information.
(1) Your Full Name
(2) Full residential address (not postal address)
(3) Phone And Fax Number
(4) Occupation.
(5) Personal Identification (Drivers license or Int'l passport, working id or national id card) will be acceptable
(7) Age
(8) Marital Status.
Be informed that this office is the only office duly assigned by the Central bank of Nigeria to treat your case. You are advised to desist from communicating with anyone except advised otherwise by this office.
Upon your compliance, fund will be ready for transfer within 72hrs.
Regards,
Mr. Nicholas Benson

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