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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: "MONEY GRAM" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <bankhalifax@yahoo.cn>
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:05:25 -0700
Subject: MONEY GRAM REFUNDS


We are to inform you that after you have been taken advantage of by those criminals.We have investigated the whole procedure and will be refunding you back every penny you spent trying to get your fund.We have therefore attached the Money Gram Slip for your perusal.This is a refund of $3800 for a start then by next week we will continue sending your money back.You are not to spend any other money on this transaction and please download the attachement and go to any Money Gram outlet near you for refund.Congratulations

Attached is your reference numbers.

Anti-fraud resources: