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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: ALEX STEEN <alexsteen777@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2012 14:43:49 +0000
Subject: ACQUISITION OF ESTATE

Dear Friend,

I am acting on behalf of Lewis Mcdonald, the Former Deputy Minister
for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning here in Scotland.And
we are interested in overseas investment in your country, involving
huge amount of funds, for which we seek your participation as our
overseas representative.

The civil service regulations here, prohibit us from getting involve
in private business, while under government employment, hence this
proposal to you, in view of your impressive profile.

We are seeking your assistance to transfer the sum of US$57 MILLION
into a safe account for future investment purposes .This is based on
the fact that we are still in active service in the Ministry here in
Scotland-UK.

Source of the funds:

The money involved in this business was generated from normal
commercial activities here in UK. The funds were generated from a
contract that was awarded in favor of a construction company (Balfour
Beatty Construction Ltd). The contract was for a 13.7km expressway of
new road constructed between Haddington and Dunbar. The contract was
over invoiced to the tune of $57m, which is the amount we intend to
make you/your company the beneficiary. You can visit this site to read
more bout the contract.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2002/03/1251

However, we are aware that several propositions like this over the
internet end up to be fraudulent initiatives, whereupon the
unsuspecting victim has his or her hopes built extraordinarily high,
after which they eventually loose morale and confidence as a result of
failed expectations. In light of this therefore, we shall carry you
along with all the processes, from inception to actual transfer of the
investment funds in your country. I represent a very honorable man,
and our words and promises must be backed by action, to make you feel
confident that you are dealing with decent people.
We are of the conviction that you shall be honest and truthful.We do
not want a sad experience of 3 years ago which some of our colleagues
encounter in the hands of their foreign partner(Mr Greg Palmer).

Upon your positive response to our proposal, I will provide you with
the following information:

* How I will introduce You/your Company to the holding bank and make
you the beneficiary of the money.

* Investing our share in your country.

* What percentage of the money I am willing to give you for your assistance.

Kindly respond with your:
1. Full names and address.(And company name and address,if any)
2.Private telephone and Fax numbers.

Regards,
Alex Steen





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