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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: "INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSO." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ipa2012@superposta.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Jul 2012 14:08:34 +0100
Subject: REASON WHY WE CONTACTED YOU.

INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION UNITED STATES SECTION (I.P.A.)
Region No. 2 New York City
P.O. Box 804 Knickerbockers Station
New York City, NY 10002-0804
U.S.A.
 
Attn Sir/Madam
 
The office of the international police association (I.P.A) hereby writes to inform you that The Police has been investigating matters relating to fraud, theft, or embezzlement occurring within or against the national and international financial community of our Citizens, These crimes are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust and are not dependent upon the application or threat of physical force or violence. The IPA was Contacted Last Week by the FOREIGN PAYMENT MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT of the Central Bank demanding a Payment Approval of $5.5 Million Dollars via ATM VISA CARD to Mr. Hillary Hunt
 
Do you know Mr. Hillary Hunt in Austin Texas Usa?????? He visited the FOREIGN PAYMENT MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT of the Central Bank Few Days ago with the story that you were involved in a Ghastly Motor accident and been admitted in the St. Luke's Medical Center.
 
REASON WHY WE CONTACTED YOU.
 
He said that you ask him to receive the Outstanding Payment via ATM VISA CARD on your behalf; The FOREIGN PAYMENT MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT also declared that Mr. Hillary Hunt submitted the "Deed of Assignment" signed by you at the Hospital.  Please kindly reconfirm this news with a doctor's report to enable us prepare an affidavit on your behalf and approve the release the ATM card to him.
 
But if this information is false kindly get back to us immediately to apprehend him. We advise that you to also do the needful to make sure the   (FPMD*CBN*) handle this issue before Friday. You are assured of the safety of The A.T.M CARD and availability and be advised that you are to provide the following information;your name....., Address ....., Postal Address...... Country........ Telephone number.
 
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely yours,
JUAN PEREZ, PRESIDENT IN CHARGE, CASE ATM :( FPMD*CBN*) :12

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