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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: Top Ranky <ranky4lord@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:01:03 -0800 (PST)
Subject: FROM Financial Crimes Enforcement Network


Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
Correspondence: Brooklyn Control Unit
New York, NY 11201.
Email topsonrandy@yahoo.it
Dear Sir!
Release Notice on Consignment REF: E8R4X0F7IC
This is a final notification message as regards your consignment in our facility which is now due for confiscation due to your inability to meet up with the clearing requirements of this unit.
FinCEN works with foreign governments to provide policy recommendations and guidance, analytical training, technological advice, and staff support in order to foster the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regimes worldwide. FinCEN supports U.S. bilateral and multilateral efforts to join with other nations in a concerted fashion to combat transnational crime.
Refer to §1010.850 - Enforcement authority with respect to transportation of currency or monetary instruments of e-CFR BILL which is effective as of Feb 9, 2012.
Having reviewed all clearing matters pertaining to the above consignment, your inability to come up with the required clearing charges and the fact that the consignment have stayed beyond the normal clearing time frame, we have resolved to release the consignment to you today provided you pay for your consignment Post Clearance Audit (PCA) charge of $97 to release your consignment today.
You are hereby advised to adhere and comply to this mandate within 72 hours or the said consignment will be confiscate and impound finally as "unclaimed"
Send your consignment Post Clearance Audit (PCA) charge of $97.00 to:
Name: Linda Obaelu
City: Cotonou
Country: Benin
Text Question: When
Answer Now:
You can send the MTCN numbers of the money transfer via  E-mail to the delivery agency at  topsonrandy@yahoo.it   further inquiry.
  
Yours Faithfully.
Mr. Topson Randy
Brooklyn Control Unit
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
 

 

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