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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: "Barrister Baker McKenzie, Esq." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <barrister_mckenzie@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2013 23:51:44 +0100
Subject: Good Day

Good Day,

Due to the urgency and importance of the matter at hand, I send you this sensitive information via mail not having met you in person but with all Trust, confidentiality and sincerity of purpose in order to have an acceptable and mutual business proposal. My name is Barrister Baker McKenzie, a legal representative and personal Attorney to an expatriate and a contractor with an Independent Petroleum, Exploration & Production Oil Company - PERENCO (Now deceased) My Client successfully executed a contract for the Spanish govt worth millions in U.S dollars. A part payment was paid to my client, while the balance in Millions of US dollars was unpaid before my client demise.

As his Attorney/Adviser, his bank has officially notified and instructed me to forward particulars of my client's next of kin otherwise his fund will be diverted to the govt coffers account as unclaimed bill. Unfortunately, I have been unsuccessful in locating any of his relatives. I intend that we work together as a team as I present you as my client next of kin. As his Attorney, I have the power to secure all necessary legal documents required to complete this claim. All I require from you is your honest co-operation, Trust and I guarantee that this transaction will be executed legally under a Legitimate banking arrangement that will protect you from any breach of law. By indicating your interest I will send you the full details on how the business will be executed.

Please respond urgently and delete if you are not interested.
Email: barrister_mckenzie@yahoo.com.hk

Kindest Regards,

Barrister Baker McKenzie, Esq.

Anti-fraud resources: