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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 SMITH EZE WILLIAMS" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <barrismithezewilliams@ig.com.br>
Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:31:43 -0700
Subject: Re: Awaiting for your quick response.

Re: Awaiting for your quick response.
Greetings!
I am barrister.Smith Eze Williams, a consultant based in Nigeria West Africa.I represent Mrs.Mariam Abacha, Wife of the late president of Nigeria,
General sani Abacha who died on the 8th of July 1998 while in power. She has instructed me to locate a foreigner who would act as her fund manager and partner in this business which would be of immense benefit to both parties.I want you to contact me immediately so that we can proceed with the business.
She wishes to invest the sum of $22 million overseas and needs some body to manage this investment on her behalf. She is now sick for past three mounths,following phsycological trauma she goes through as a result of Government's onslught on the Family investment.
As you may be aware,assets worth several million of dollars belonging to Her family had been confiscated by the present Nigerian government as a
punitive measures.You should also bear in mind that your assistance is needed to transfer and secure this fund for the investment. She proposes a commission 20% of the total sum to you for your expected services and assistance.
Your response is therefore highly needed so as to stop further contact.I hope this will be the beginning of a prosperous business relationship
between her family and your family.Nevertheless if you are for any reason not interested, kindly inform me immediately so that I will look
for another contact. I also require your endorsement for further details.Awaiting for your quick response.
Feel free to contact me at my private email address: barrsmithezewilliams@yahoo.co.uk
Regards,
Barrister.Smith Eze Williams.

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