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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: "Mr. GREG JOHNSON" <info.gregj@gmail.com>
Reply-To: info.williams011@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2011 11:13:45 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Re-Pick up the cash


My Greetings to you ,

I write to inform you that  your funds has been called up for payment and specially encoded to prevent any unlawful  withdrawal or diversion . and transfer will be completed upon your immediate compliance .you will receive the ATM CARD   to pick up the cash  at any convenient bank locate in your area or you can order for Cashier cheque .from the rules guiding this payment you  as the the beneficiary  will pay for the dispatch  fee $30 to ensure this funds   get to you on time  with maximum security . upon sending the fee we will commence immediate. send the money to enable us proceed  by  western union or money gram to our project officer:

Senders Name-----
Recivers name---- Kelvin O. Omokwe
Destination country --- Benin Republic
City and state -- Cotonou
Zip code --- +229
Question----What Color?
Answer---Blue
Amount---------$30
MTCN--------

We promise to give you our professional services. As soon as you send the money, kindly forward the MTCN to me/ attachement of the western union only.  Note that we have no legal right to deduct or add to the value of your funds because your payment has already been keyed into the system for final transfer, thus the compliance with this condition this payment will  reach you within 24 banking hour or less.

Yours faithfully,
Dr. Greg Johnson
International Clearing House West Africa- BENIN
Affiliate to the World Association of Debt Management

Anti-fraud resources: