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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: "Chief Judge Thimo Musanya" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <adekunleadeosun95@yahoo.com.tw>
Date: Sat, 2 Nov 2013 09:40:44 -0700
Subject: OFFICIAL MEMO MESSAGE

Re: Wire Transfer of Five Million U.S Dollars into your account.
 
This is to officially inform you that we have verified your contract / inheritance file and found out that why you have not Received your payment is because you have not fulfilled the obligations given to you in respect of your contract/Inheritance payment.
Secondly we have been informed that you are still dealing with those none officials in the bank in other to secure the release of your fund. We wish to advise you that such an illegal act has to stop if you wish to receive your Payment since we have decided to bring a solution to your problem.
On behalf of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Debt Reconciliation Unit newly set up by the United Nations in conjunction With the British Government.The World Bank have mandate us we the Bank Directors and President to compensate all the victim with a sum of $5million (Five Million United State Dollars).
You must get back to me immediately by completing the requested information Below:
(1) Your Full Name And Address:...................... .............
(2) Your Age And Marital Status:....................... ...........
(3) Your Occupation:.............. ............................
(4) Your Telephone Number:.....................
(5) Your Nationality:...............
You most forward to us your full contact details and your direct phone line.
Yours Faithfully,
Austen ObigweDirector,Foreign Operations
Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.

Anti-fraud resources: