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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. Idris Dantata" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <dr.dantata1958@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2013 15:15:26 -0800
Subject: RE: HOW ARE YOU?

Dear sir,

With respect and humility I decided to send this proposal to you, this however is not mandatory nor will I in any manner compel you to honor it against your will. I am Abbas Layas, 25years old and the only son of my late parents Mr. and Mrs. Mohammed Layas, My father was a highly reputable business man, a military contactor to the Libyan Army and had friends in high places in Muammar Gadafi government.

My father died in one of the military operations by US forces to liberate Libya of Muammar Gaddafi. My Father was a civilian and I wonder till date how he would have died the way they said. But God knows the truth! My mother died when I was just 4 years old, and since then my father took me so special. Before his death on September 12, 2011, he told me that he had secured my future by depositing $7,850,000 (Seven million eight hundred and fifty thousand Dollars) with a finance firm in Europe. I have in my possession the deposit documents which the company gave to my late father when he deposited. I really don't know what to do. This is because I have suffered a lot of hard times here, hiding for my life. I have no one to trust on this matter.

There is still so much insecurity here, coupled with the fact that my dad was well known in this country.
The death of my father actually brought sorrow to my life. I am in serious need of your assistance to claim the deposite on my behalf.

Your suggestions and ideas will be highly appreciated. Please permit me to ask these few questions:-
1. Can you honestly and willingly help me?
2. Can I completely trust you?
3. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good enough for your help.

Please, Consider this and get back to me as soon as possible.

Thank you so much.

My sincere regards.
Abbas Layas

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