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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: Grace Stephen <mrsgracestephen@rediffmail.com>
Reply-To: mrsgracestephen@ymail.com
Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2012 03:19:01 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Good day,


Good day,

With due respect, I humbly write to ask of your co-operation and assistance. I just want you to know that confidence and trust begins from one day.
 Eventhough i don't know you in person, i beleive that when we start this communication we'll introduce ourselves and even by going into the business,we will also need an agreement to back up our transaction for the trust.
    
   Actually i got this your email address from the internet while searching for business opportunities i could contact.
When i came accross your address i felt it was someone i could rely on, so i had to contact you.
Please i desire your assistance to make claims of my late husband assets funds deposited in a bank here , the fund in question is $9,000,000.00 million USD (Nine million USD) I  will really need your sincerity and honesty.
 
   We have been ordered to leave the government house immediately after the death of my husband. All our assets in the country had been seized by my late husbands uncles according to their tradition because i am not from the same region with my husband.
Infact,this arrangement is urgent because if i don't produce somebody soon,they may seize this funds and i and my only son will loose all.
  
 It is the fear of betrayal from anyone arround us that informed my decision to contact you and i believe you will not impade the trust and confidence we repost in you.
You will also help and assist us for investment arrangement in your country.
Please help us for we know that you can assist us.. please reply me alternatively in this email: mrsgracestephen@ymail.com

 Awaiting your urgent response.
Sincerely,
Mrs Grace Stephen
1 Lot 333 cocody Abidjan
Cote d'Ivoire West africa.

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