| 
 
 | 
joewein.de LLC 
fighting spam and scams on the Internet 
 | 
 | 
"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:
 -  The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
 -  "million us dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
 
 -  "god fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
 
  -  This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
 
Fraud email example:
From: "Mrs Rachael Stewart" <rachaelstewart90@yahoo.com.ph> 
Date: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 07:20:02 +0200 
Subject: FUND 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mrs. Rachael Stewart. 
23 Les Caches St.Martins, 
Guernsey,Channel Islands 
United Kingdom. 
 
Attention: 
I am the above named person but now undergoing medical 
treatment in London England. I am married to Dr.Richard Stewart. who 
worked with British Railway Commission in Chelsea England for over a 
decade before he 
died on 5th of July in the year 2006.We were married for fifteen 
years without a 
child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for two 
weeks.Before his 
death he made a vow to use his wealth for the down trodden and the less 
privileged in the society.Since his death I decided not to re-marry 
or get a child 
outside my matrimonial home.When my late husband was alive he 
deposited the sum of 
(Eighteen Million US Dollars) with one Finance House.Presently this 
money is 
still with the Finance House.Recently my Doctor told me that I would 
not last 
for the next 150 days due to cancer problem. 
 
Though what disturbs me most is my stroke.Having known my condition 
I decided to donate this fund to an 
individual or better still a God fearing person who will utilize 
this money the way I am 
going to instruct here in. I want an individual that will use this 
to fund and 
provide succor to poor and indigent persons orphanages and widows 
and for 
propagating peace in the universe.I understand that blessed is the 
hand that 
give. I took this decision because I do not have any child that will 
inherit this money and my husband relatives are not inclined to 
helping poor 
persons and I do not want my husbands hard earned money to be 
misused or spent in the 
manner in which my late husband did not specify.I do not want a 
situation where this 
money will be used in an ungodly manner hence the reason for taking 
this bold 
decision. 
 
I am not afraid of death hence know where I am going.I know that 
I am going to be in the bosom of the Almighty.I do not need any 
telephone 
communication in this regard because of my health and because of the 
presence of my husbands relatives round me always.I do not want them 
to know about this 
development. With God all things are possible. As soon as I receive 
your 
reply I shall give you the contact of the Finance House.I will also 
issue you a 
letter of authority that will empower you as the original 
beneficiary of this 
fund.I want you to always pray for me. 
 
My happiness is that I lived a life worthy of emulation. Am now born 
again christian. 
please, to remind you that i don't belongs to scam or those that use 
internet for fraudulent. 
Whosoever that wants to serve the Almighty must serve him with all 
his heart and mind and always be prayerful all through your life.Any 
delay in 
your reply will give me room in sourcing for an individual for this 
same 
purpose. Please assure me that you will act according to specification 
herein. 
Hoping to hear from you.Thank you and May the Almighty God bless you. 
 
Yours sincerely 
Mrs.Rachael Stewart. 
Benefactor 
 
 
 | 
Anti-fraud resources: