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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

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

Fraud email example:

From: Mohammad Abdula <mohammad@arabequitygiant.sy>
Reply-To: <mohammadabd22@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 14:09:14 -0300
Subject: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

 
Greetings to you,
I crave your attention to read this message carefully knowing that you might delete it at first glance because of it similarity with fictitious stories that are told on the internet nowadays.I want you to know that I am currently in search of assistance in transferring my family and investment to Europe.
My names are Mohammad Abdula, I am a national of Arab Republic of Syria. I have been based and operating my business in Syria until the political situation that has brought about the shutdown of economic activities in Syria as a result of the on going civil war.
I have decided together with my family to invest our funds into a profitable venture in Europe to secure it from inflation. If you re willing to assist me, I will give you complete information on what to do and how to access the investment funds which is already in Europe and invest it in accordance with the foreign direct investment regulations in your country.
Your role as a partner will be to devise the necessary business plan based on your knowledge of the domestic economy in your country. To invest and oversee the management of the business that will be established.
The whole business arrangement will be conducted in a manner that  that is consistent with the prevailing international laws and your local legislation guiding such influx of capital investment.
This is serious and I would want you to assure me that you can handle this situation for me. 12.7 million USD is a lot of money which I will not want to gamble with so you must understand that I have to sure before proceeding.
In the case that you are interested in helping out with this situation, I would request that you send me your direct telephone number and any proof of identity that you are an European. We choose Europe because of its stability and strategic position for investment.
In the event that you are legal and we are sure we can work with you, please be informed that we are willing to give 20% of the funds as remuneration. I look forward to hearing from you.
May Allah Bless you and your household,
Mohammad Abdula
 

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