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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: "Safia Gahdafi" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <safiafg01@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:24:44 -0700
Subject: Act Accordingly!!

Hello,
I am Mrs.Safia Farkash Gaddafi the wife of the late Libyan Leader
Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Following the recent rebellion in my country
and the brutal death of my husband on the 20 Oct 2011, I have been
thrown into a state of utter confusion, frustration and hopelessness;
I have been subjected to physical and psychological torture by the
security agents in Algeria where we seek refuge at present.
 
As a widow that is so traumatized, I have lost confidence with anybody
within my country and Algeria where we seek refuge at present.
You must have heard over the media reports and the internet on the
recovery of various huge sums of money deposited by my husband in
different banks abroad, Some bank willingly give up their secrets and
disclosed our money confidently lodged there or many outright
blackmail. In fact the total sum discovered by the Government so far
is in the tune of $348 Million Dollars.
 
I will give you more information as to this regard as soon as you
reply. I repose great confidence in you hence my approach to you due
to security network placed on my day to day affairs I cannot afford to
visit the embassy so that is why I decided to contact you and I hope
you will not betray my confidence.
I shall be grateful if you could receive $53.5Million deposited from
Swiss bank into your bank account for safe keeping. This arrangement
is known to you and me alone. I will be willing to offer you 40% of
the total fund if only you will receive this fund and keep it for me.
 
I appreciate your timely suggestion and interest over this matter.
 
Best Regards,
Mrs.Safia Farkash Gaddafi.
 

Anti-fraud resources: