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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 MICHAEL THOMAS" <inboxmail18@wup52zgcm.homepage.t-online.de>
Reply-To: <mick_4595@rediffmail.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:19:19 -0700
Subject: Re: Good Day

Good Day,

I want to bring to your knowledge of a very lucrative business opportunity I have at hand.

Well, I am privileged to work as an agent that accompanies contractors funds to them from one country to another.l have this deal that I would like to share with you if you promise to keep optimum confidentiality.

The consignments consist of two boxes, contains $20million all in $100.00 bills. This funds was accompanied by me to U.S.A and was handed over to a diplomat.The name of the Diplomat will be given to you as soon as you indicate interest.

You will Call the diplomat and tell him that you are calling on behalf of Mr. michael thomas who handed two consignments boxes to him. Also, ask him how much it will cost to clear out this consignments from their vault room.

Bear in mind that he is not aware of the contents of the boxes, hence it was registered as CONFIDENTIAL DIPLOMATIC LUGGAGE. The consignments has been there for a while now while I am looking for a trust worthy person to get it out.

I am ready to release 30% of the total money to you for your help; each of the boxes contains 10,000,000.00. I will be expecting your reply today and please send your contact information and phone number if interested.

Regards,
Mr. michael thomas

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