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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: "Linda Irish Esq." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <barr.lindairish@ymail.com>
Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:14:07 +0800
Subject: Do get back to me ASAP. FFVXHLZICR

Good day,
I’m Barr. Linda Irish, am sorry to disturb you with my letter, although, this message might increase your business or investment.
There is this fund that was deposited in my name in one of the leading Asia bank since 2008. The fund was not mine, but was deposited in my name by my late client, unfortunately the depositor is late, and the fund was actually deposited to my name which legalize me as a true Bonafide owner of the fund US$12.5 million.
Now, the bank has decided that I must present a relation of the initial depositor, but the late depositor told me, that I must not disclosed this to his relations or country men/women, even after his death or alive, based on this fact, I have decide that the best option is to contact a foreigner who will stand based on my instructions to act as a relation of the initial depositor.
Now the bank is adamant that I must present someone, therefore I decide to contact you for two reasons
1.) You will represent as a relation of the initial depositor,
2.) You must have knowledge on investment, e.g. Real Estate, or Communication, or stock exchange etc because you will invest the fund in your country for a period of 5 to 7yrs, although is subject to changes depend on our agreement..

At the end of the Agreed year, you will return to me the total sum (12.5M) and take the profit you realized for the whole 7years, as your share of the fund,

As a Lawyer, I will back you up with every necessary documentation to ensure that there is no delay in transferring of the fund to your country account. You must assure me that your country /economy allows you to invest, because I will not admit any lost in capital sum, at the end of 7yrs.

If you are capable and willing to invest this fund, probably increase your capital in your company or, you want to start new business, with genuine plans, maybe waiting for funds to commence, this is opportunity for you.

Do get back to me ASAP.

Thank you.

Linda Irish Esq.

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