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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: "Victor Emmanuel" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <victoremmanuel@w.cn>
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2012 09:22:41 +0100
Subject: Attention beneficiary I await your immediate response.

FUND CREDIT AND TRANSFER DEPARTMENT
ATM CARD PAYMENT OFFICE
VICTORIA ISLAND BRANCH,
ICON HOUSE, GROUND FLOOR
VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS.
 
Our reference:20/725
**UBA 000006935**
BANK PRORITY (300 CRF)
 
Attention Beneficiary,
                                  
NOTIFICATION OF FUND PAYMENT OF US$2.8 MILLION BY ATM CARD
 
My name is Victor Emmanuel, I am the Deputy Director in-charge of ATM Card fund payment. We are hereby officially notifying you about the present arrangement to pay you, through (ATM Cash Card). This arrangement was initiated by the World Bank Auditors, International Monetory Fund (IMF) and United Nation to settle debt owed to Lottery Winners, Inheritance Owners and Contractors.
 
This payment arrangement is to enable beneficiaries receive their fund without any interference or delay from the government. Re-confirm the following information immediately, for us to update your records and process your ATM Card fund payment.
 
1) YOUR FULL NAME:
2) YOUR RECEIVING ADDRESS:                                       
3) YOUR OFFICE TELEPHONE AND MOBILE NUMBER:
4) FAX NUMBER:      
5) YOUR PROFESSION:
6) YOUR NATIONALITY: 
7) YOUR AGE/DATE OF BIRTH:
8) YOUR TOTAL AMOUNT:
 
Upon the receipt of the above, we will use your information in computerizing your ATM Card into our payment data base for your usage. You can use your ATM Card to withdraw money any where you are. Your prompt response and co-operation will facilitate the immediate issuing of your ATM Card to you within 72 hours.
 
Await your immediate response.
 
With regards,
VICTOR EMMANUEL
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
ATM PAYING OFFICE
 
 

Anti-fraud resources: