joewein.net   joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
Try our spam filter!
Free trial for 30 days
  jwSpamSpy

Home
About Us
Spam
419/Nigeria
Fraud
Contact

"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: MORRISON IRVIN <oceanbankbenin2001@yahoo.fr>
Reply-To: irvin.morrison@yahoo.com.hk
Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:34:07 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: URGENT


Sir,
This is to inform you that a consignment with the code number MAL/200XX/089 in your name was moved out today. I planned with the Homeland Security Agent Mrs. Joyce Wright.
The USA government has signed to move the consignment trunk to their possessions, and it was done so, but then Mrs. Joyce and I planned and made away with the consignment, but after discovering the name in the consignment I decided to inform you because I am a god fearing person.
As I am talking to you now I am with the consignment in BOISE IDAHO, and will be delivering the trunk to you immediately. So get back to me now so we will discuss on how to deliver the consignment to you. It is your name in it and your email therefore, you have to reconfirm your delivery address now. Do contact me via this email: morrisonirvin91@yahoo.com.hk
 
Waiting urgently,
Morrison Irvin

Anti-fraud resources: