joewein.net   joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
Try our spam filter!
 Free trial for 30 days
   jwSpamSpy
Home
About Us
Spam
419/Nigeria
Fraud
Contact

"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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Abdel Karim KONATE" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <abdelkarim_kon1@superposta.com>
Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:24:32 -0500
Subject: URGENT ASSISTANCE

Dear Sir,
 
 
I really want an entrepreneur at heart. Someone who could take risks and pursue what others may consider an off-the-wall idea.
 
My name is Abdel Karim KONATE a citizen of Mali and Minister of Industry, Investment, & Commerce. I ran into your contact through my cousin who is now on the run, who said you will be of great help to me. Before he fled for his life he assured me that you are trustworthy.
 
As a result of the situation in Mali , I and my family must secure our future. I like the France government policy against Rebels in Mali . Our country should come out of age and face the reality of western civilization.
 
I have moved $19,270,000 through my sister to a bank in Thailand temporarily for security of my future.
 
I am contacting you to assist me move the fund to a safe haven like your country or to any offshore bank to be invested while you remain my investment partner. I will compensate you for your efforts and assistance in this matter and you will have your share from the proceeds of the investments too.
 
So kindly get back to me with your telephone contact for further details.
 
 
My regards,
 
Abdel Karim KONATE

Anti-fraud resources: