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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. JONAH O. OTUNLA" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <accountantgng@mail.kz>
Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2012 01:47:22 +0100
Subject: PAYMENT NOTIFICATION

ATTENTION: OUR ESTEEM BENEFICIARY,
 
This is to notify you that a payment approval of $5.5Million has been accredited by the Presidential Committee on Financial Appropriation. This said fund emanated as contract inherited payment accruing to you which reflected in the Federal Government payment gazette. We in this office are saddled with all financial responsibility relating to both local and foreign payment after full verification and also we are entitle to monitor payment till its reflect in beneficiary's account.
 
You should note that a lot of scam is going on in the internet mostly in connection with Nigerian unscrupulous elements, hence we have advise both local and foreign beneficiaries to be aware of the activities of those group of people who have been tarnishing the good image of Nigeria through corrupt and fraudulent practices. You are been giving this as a pre-emptive to guide you accordingly by so doing you will not fall victim to scammers.
 
Furthermore, do not reveal the progress to any third party for your own good interest. You should immediately send the following details stated below to enable me receive final payment approval on your behalf, this process will enable your fund transfer completed by our corresponding bankers: -
 
1. YOUR FULL CONTACT ADDRESS
2. YOUR FULL BANKING COORDINATES WHERE YOUR PAYMENT WILL BE REMITTED INTO
3. AN IDENTIFICATION MATERIAL
4. PRIVATE TELEPHONE AND FAX NUMBERS
 
I will want you to give urgent attention to this notification and it will be of advantage if you should call me on receipt of this mail for oral discussion.
 
Regards,
 
MR. JONAH OGUNNIYI OTUNLA
The Accountant General of the Federation
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Confidential line: 234-8029672979
E-mail: accountantgng@mail.kz

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