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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: "Halfina Al-Aissami" <halfinaal22@zoho.com>
Reply-To: halfina@zoho.com
Date: Fri, 5 Jul 2013 06:33:31 +0800
Subject: info




Dear Friend,

I solicit for your patience to read through my mail, though you need not
respond immediately, as you will need some time to decide.

First and foremost, my name is Halfina Al-Aissami from Venezuela and also a
reputable woman in Venezuelan government, sister to Tarek Al-Aissami, the
former Venezuelan Minister of Interior and Justice, one of the key figures of
the late Chavez's government. I am moved to write you this letter, as I am
doing this in confidence, considering my family's (Al-Aissami) condition.

I write this to see if you could help me to take custody money, due to the
death of our beloved President Hugo Chavez, my family might face a great
obstacle from the incoming government, thus I have been mandated to solicit
for your help. I would like you to help us take custody money $25million which
with a holding/financial company. I will guide through the process of
receiving the money as a payment from one of our companies to you, for either
the purchase of agricultural or oil exploration/drilling equipment’s. Due to
the foresee queries of the incoming Government, regarding my family's wealth
and properties. For this reason and others, confidentiality should be our
watch word, we are lying low presently, pending when situation are cushioned.

Due to the sensitive nature of my position in Venezuelan Government, I do not
want to be directly involved, but be rest assured that you would be directed
accordingly. And I strictly advice that the transaction be kept between us
only to avoid jeopardizing it. The money would be released legally and
necessary precautions have been taken to safe guide the intended beneficiary
and I by following all the regulations of the government with regards to
foreign payment.

For us to achieve 100% success in this endeavour, I very much advice that you
do not reveal my identity to any one for now. Though I will want you to invest
the funds in properties, stocks and other viable business opportunities in
your country.

We hope and pray you will not betray the trust and confidence we have in your
person.

Remain Bless.

Halfina Al-Aissami

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