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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: "DR.SAM OKIGWE" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <lfrconsultany@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:50:17 -0000
Subject: IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF FUND

Sir,
 
How are you doing today? I understand that you have been finding it very difficult to receive your long awaited payment due to the request for all sorts of fees and taxes.
 
I am Dr.Sam Okigwe, I hold a position of a director in Legal, procurement and acquisition department here in Central Bank of Nigeria.
 
I would like to inform you that there's a special program going on right now in the office of the presidency, shortlisting names of people whose payments has taken more than the usual time to be released. These shortlisted beneficiaries will get a presidential waiver certificate that will enable them receive their funds without paying all the fees and taxes upfront. They will have the privilege to pay all necessary fees once they confirm their funds in their respective accounts.
 
If youd like me to recommend you for this program, reply asap. I will give you a code and contact details of the office in-charge. With my recommendation, the entire process will not cost you more than $500 and you will get your fund credited into your account or delivered via prepaid ATM card within 72 hours.
 
I look forward to your response.
 
Dr.Sam Okigwe

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