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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: "LOUISE KAFUI" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <louise_kafui@live.com>
Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:36:02 -0800
Subject: HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM LOUISE KAFUI

God bless you"

You may be surprised" why a young boy like me contacting to ask for your assistance and help.Please consider this letter as a request from a young boy in need of assistance.I am Louis Puntu, i am 18 years old from the Democratic Republic of Congo(formerly known as Zaire).
De beloved your address was introduced to me by a Career Diplomat whom I consulted in my Google search for a reliable company or individual who can assist me in life.
My Father Dr. Puntu kafui was the minister of Precious Mineral Marketing Co-Operation of the Democratic Republic of Congo during the reign of late president Mobutu. As his only child, he relied on, he drew my attention to his way about and family business engagements in case of death or other any circumstances because of political crises in my country. This fear was actualized when rebels attack us and burnt our house and short him which lead him to death and they kill my mummy and other of our relations living with us. Before the death of my father in the hospital bed he reveal to me where he deposited fund in a Security Firm (BANK).

I have since been rescued by the intervention of the (U.N) United Nation Peace keeping force, and have manage to escape to the Republic of Togo, Where I am now presently taking refuge in a refugee camp.
According to my late father the fund was deposited in Escrow Bonded Account in bond of family treasure for safe keeping.
All the Document as to claim the fund is in my position, as the next of kin.And they is know one in this earth that knows about this only me and my God.
I am soliciting for your assistance to help me claim this my inheritance from Bank and help me to invest this money in your Country and take me as part of your family and you will also help me to buy a house over there in your Country where I can live safely under your care to further my Education.
Please if you God touches you to help me out please get back to me with your intention and condition, to enable me furnish with more details and my id and pictures.

Am expecting to hear from you soon.
GOD BLESS YOU.

Regards,
Louis Puntu

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