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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. Martins David" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <martinsdavid01@globomail.com>
Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 10:11:17 -0600
Subject: I AM STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU

Sir,
 
Sorry, we were unable to obtain clearance for the transfer of your fund from the financial Services.
 
REASONS AND REMEDY:
 
Due to the controversies in several attempts made by your numerous representatives on bank to bank wire transfer of your fund in to your designated account instructions were strictly placed on the following payment option.
 
ATM CARD PAYMENT OR BY CERTIFIED CHECK. In this case, the above indicated total fund will be loaded in an approved ATM Card/CHECK in your favor for a maximum withdrawal of US$100,000 dollars every day in the case of ATM card.
 
Having confirmed this amount in the ISA account with the Citibank Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we ought to process the above payment option following the United Nation’s Financial Procedures for proper accountability.
 
Finally, you are required to provide us with your residential or mailing address and direct contact numbers while, your urgent response is highly needed, as your fund may be referred to the treasury after the specified given period.
 
Regards,
 
Mr. Martins David.
Foreign operations
 

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