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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: "Haifa Al-Aissami" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <al-aissami.h@yandex.com>
Date: Sat, 2 Nov 2013 10:16:12 -0500
Subject: Dear Friend

Good Day!
>From Al-Aissami,
 
A Cry For Help From Venezuela
 
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.
 
My name is Haifa 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 $75million 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.
 
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 owner 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.
 
Finally, in your return mail, kindly send us your telephone number, so that I can give you a call and discuss in details with you.
 
Remain Bless.
 
Haifa Al-Aissami
 
NB: Kindly send all correspondence/ response to my confidential

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