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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: "Mrs.V. Johnson." <vikingy@elbolson.com>
Reply-To: <clientsofficefile2000@rediffmail.com>
Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:24:29 -0500
Subject: Successful Completed, Am now in Taiwan, Contact my Attorney.

(Mrs.) Venessa A. Johnson.
No.188, Sec. 5, Anjhong Rd.,
Annan District, Tainan City 759,Taiwan..
Tel:+886(9)51 369155.
Email:vking1@globomail.com
 
 
Hello Friend,
Good day to you and your family ! I am glad to inform that I have successfully concluded that transaction which i previously seek for your help some time ago. Just want to let you know now that the funds has finally been transferred to Taiwan through the help of Mr. Stephen C. Wu,a business man,who made it possible for the funds to be moved.
Currently I am in Taiwan with him and his family. However, I did not forget you and your family efforts for the first attempt made in assisting to move it no matter that it did not work out as planned due to some circumstances we could not control or understand then but i still give you the credits and thanks to GOD. I know it is not your fault or rather mine for your wish to back off on me and the transaction then because of the financial aspects which i understood.But all the same everything is just a good story now.
In appreciation of your help then i have raised and signed an International Cashier's Bank Draft,to the tune of ( One Million Eight Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only) in your favor as COMPENSATION to your dedication, humanity and contribution, as it were.
"Note" that i placed this ( ICBD) amount under a high issurance coverage to avoid any other person than you to clear it.Please, "Note"Also that i left it with my Lawyer,on my departure to Taiwan and will advise you to get intouch with him on the below information so that both of you can discuss on the best way for you to get it., And forward to him,the following :
========
1.Your Full Name:
2.Your Mailing Address:
3.Your phone # :
========
Name: Barr.Eric I. Smith.
Cotonou.,Republic of Benin.
Email (1) clientsofficefile2000@rediffmail.com
Email (2) ecchambers1@yahoo.co.jp
Please let me know as soon as you receive the Draft because i am might be busy here trying to put things together and also attend to my deteriorating health and may not be chanced to check my email frequently. But feel free to contact him as i have also informed him at hand., i have to stop here.
Most importantly,the (ICBD) has only validity period of 14 banking days. So, your early response to that effect, shall be good.
Once again,Thanks so much and extend my greetings to your family and members and you remained blessed.
Sincerely.
Mrs.Venessa Johnson.
Taiwan. 

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