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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: "Barrister Joe Okocha" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <joeookocha@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2012 23:44:47 +0300
Subject: Kindly attend to my Proposal...

From the Desk of
Barrister Joe Okocha
Dear Sir/Madam,
  I am Barrister Joe Okocha the legal adviser to Late Richard Blachard I wish to seek on behalf of my client your partnership in the transfer of ownership of funds deposited on behalf of my client in a blind trust account. My client, Late Richard Blachard . I am seeking your help to stand-in as the owner of the fund which will be utilized for profitable investment purpose in your country. As Late Richard Blachard's Attorney, I am privy to present you as the heir of the funds.
My apologies if this does not meet your ethics as I seek your urgent partnership to effect the change of ownership without delay. If you agree to partner with me on this deal, do send the below stated information required to effect the legal change of fund ownership in your favor.
1. Your full names
2. Complete contact address(not postal address)
3. Your mobile/telephone/fax number
4. Your date of birth
5. Your occupation
6. Bank name
7. Bank address
8. Bank account number and swift code
Regards,
Barrister Joe Okocha
Email:joeookocha@yahoo.co.jp

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