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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. Mervin King" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mervinking00000002@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 16:31:36 -0700
Subject: Attention Beneficiary,

Dear Beneficiary,


This is to officially notify you that your fund has been duly approved and gazetted for immediate payment to
you via ATM Master card. However, it is our pleasure to inform you that your ATM Card has been approved
and upgraded in your favor. The ATM Master card is Valued at $6.8 Million You are advised to respond immediately
with the under listed information's for clarity and further direction on how to receive your ATM Master card
and for avoidance of error:


FULL NAMES:
ADDRESS:
MOBILE TELEPHONE AND FAX NUMBERS:
COMPANY NAME (IF ANY):
OCCUPATION:
AGE/DATE OF BIRTH
MARITAL STATUS:


Thank you.


Regards,


Mr. Mervin King

Anti-fraud resources: