joewein.net   joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
Try our spam filter!
Free trial for 30 days
  jwSpamSpy

Home
About Us
Spam
419/Nigeria
Fraud
Contact

"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: "Christopher Maynard" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <cmaynard007@zing.vn>
Date: Wed, 2 May 2012 02:32:42 -0700
Subject: Urgent and Confidential

Dear Sir/Madam
 
I have a profiling amount of 37Million United States Dollars secured in an offshore private bank. I am seeking your assistance in securing these funds into a safe account for future investment purposes but requiring maximum confidentiality. This is borne out of the fact that I am still in active service in the Military here in Afghanistan.Upon your positive response to my proposal, I will provide you with the following information:
* How I will introduce you/your company to the holding bank and make you the beneficiary of the money.
 
 
* Who I am and why I have decided to sought for your assistance.
*What percentage of the money I am willing to give you for your assistance.
Kindly respond with your full name,house address,private phone number,occupation and a s

Anti-fraud resources: