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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: "Investigations Division" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <philgriffin@blumail.org>
Date: Sun, 20 May 2012 13:35:40 -0700
Subject: moving forward

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL OVERSIGHT SERVICES
Internal Audit,Monitoring,Consulting And Investigations Division
From: Mr. Griffin Philip

Attn: Beneficiary

This is to inform you that I came to United Kingdom since last week, after series of complain from the FBI United States and other Security agencies from Asia, Europe, Oceania, Antarctica, South America and the United States of America respectively, against the Government of Nigeria/ Britain and the rate of scam/fraudulent activities going on in their country.

I have met with government officials and agencies whom claimed they have been trying their best to make sure you receive your funds in your account. Right now, as directed by United Nations, IMF, EU and World Bank, We have decided to coordinate this transaction in such a way that we have to wave away some of your clearance fees and authorize the banks and security companys that are in holding your fund to immediately effect the payment of your funds and interests into your account without any delay. The only fee you will pay to confirm your fund in your account is your Notarization fee to the UN.

This person Ms. Janet L. White sent a letter to our office yesterday, with some vital documents claiming that you have sent her to come and get your approved fund saying that because you can not fly down to our office yourself due to your ill-health

I have a very limited time to work here so I would like you to urgently respond to this message so that I can advise you on how best to confirm your funds in your account within the next 48 working hours.


Sincerely yours,
Griffin Philip

Anti-fraud resources: