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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: "YOUSF MUSTAFA" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mustafayousfChambers2011@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 29 Oct 2011 09:26:36 +0100
Subject: Attention

MUSTAFA YOUSF LAW CHAMBERS
LEGAL SOLICITORS/PRIVATE
LAW 11 SRI MUDA KUALA
LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Contact Email: mustafayousf2011@gmail.com
 
Attention
 
YOUSF MUSTAFA Law Chambers in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, My name is YOUSF
MUSTAFA., A personal Attorney to our late client Mr. TAN SRI LIM GOH TONG
who built a hilltop casino in Malaysia (Genting Highland), Mr. TAN SRI LIM
GOH TONG a well known Philanthropist, before he died, he made a Will in
our law firm stating that $3,000,000.00 USD (Three Million U.S. dollars
only) should be donated to any Philanthropist of our choice out side
Malaysia{Overseas.}
 
I am particularly interested in securing this money from the Bank, because
they have issued a notice instructing us to produce the beneficiary of
this Will, within two weeks which happens to be you or else the money will
be credited to the Government treasury as per law here.
 
It is my utmost desire to execute the Will of our late client. You are
required to contact me immediately to start the process of transferring
this money to any of your designated official account. I urge you to
contact me immediately for further details bearing in mind that the Bank
has given us a date limit. Please contact me urgently. My Email:
mustafayousfChambers2011@gmail.com
 
Regards
BARRISTER,
YOUSF MUSTAFA [Esq.]

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