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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: "Edward James" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <barclays12121@googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:52:13 +0100
Subject: Dear BENEFICIARY.....

Dear BENEFICIARY

This is to inform you that Barclays Bank Plc, London via my office has received instruction of the World Financial Governing Authority ( IMF and UN ) to handle release of selected over due payments such as Lottery winning, next of kin, (Inheritance) and contract payments to few approved beneficiaries and your name/email address was selected among other two to receive £ 9,556,416.20 ( Nine Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand Four Hundred and Sixteen Great British Pounds )

This £ 9,556,416.20 ( Nine Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand Four Hundred and Sixteen Great British Pounds ) has been cleared to be from legal source which are free of any and all liens or encumbrances of any kind and a clearance certificate was issued in your name therefore you are completely eligible to receive this fund without hindrance. Upon your reply, details of transfer shall be related to you.

FULL NAME:
HOME ADDRESS:
RESIDENTIAL COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
OCCUPATION :
TELEPHONE :

BANK NAME:
BANK ADDRESS
ROUTING NUMBER: ABA
SWIFT CODE: ROYCAAT2
ACCOUNT NUMBER:
ACCOUNT NAME:


This letter will serve as your notification that Barclays Bank Plc, London will irrevocably honor and guarantee transfer of this ? 9,556,416.20 (Nine Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand Four Hundred and Sixteen Great British Pounds) as instructed upon your compliance.

Sincerely.

Edward James

1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5HP
Registered No: 1026167.
London, UK
Tele/Fax: +44 2033184677 ext 2

Anti-fraud resources: