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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: <rpecoffice@e-mile.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:55:57 +0100
Subject: REPLY ASAP

I have made several attempts to get in touch with you regarding your approved payment of US$4.800,000.00, but it seems as you don't want to speak with me. However, one Mr Jonathan visited my office on 17/9/2012 with his lawyer and, an application for claim over your fund with this financial institution.Please, do confirm to me, as matter of urgency if this man is really from you so that this office will not be held responsible for paying out to the wrong person. Based on board of directors meeting today, they have concluded to approve the payment on his favor since you failed to fulfill the obligation given to you by the Bank to process your payment by wire transfer. I assure you that this is not a scam, we have processed the total payment in your favor, because you did not give us your details but we only have your email contact on our file. Your funds have been deposited into an investment account and, will be credited to a designated bank of your choice with 72 hours after
the information needed prompt fr

Regards,
Cheryl Patrick
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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