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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: "Mr. Victor Cole" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <misconductaction@live.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 12:07:08 -0500
Subject: YOU NEED OUR INTERVENTION

FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT ACTION GROUP
MOTTO: RESTORATION OF EQUITY AND JUSTICE)
5 WHITEHALL, LONDON, SW1A 2DD
                                                       
Sir,
 
RE: YOUR OUTSTANDING PAYMENT
 
The Financial Misconduct Action Group (FIMAG) is a coalition of Lawyers, World Bank Auditors, Anti-fraud police and selected Insurance Companies and Banks. FIMAG is disturbed by the spate of scam hinged on Contractors being owed mainly in Africa, Beneficiaries of inheritance funds after the death of the next of kin, People being owed for lotteries purportedly won, buyers of gold/diamond who never received the goods after making payments to the sellers etc.
 
>From records, we suspect you are a victim of the scam hence we have decided to look into your case. We are aware that all manner of unscrupulous and corrupt officials have contacted you and are still contacting you. For prompt action on your case, reply immediately and reconfirm the following:
 
1.    How much are you being owed?
2.    State the origin, e.g. executed contract, inheritance, lottery won e.t.c.
3.    Have you received any Card, bogus Draft or Cheque ?
4.    Was there any attempt to pay you with the so-called defaced cash?
5.    How much have you paid to them? Can you prove it?
6.    When or how long have you been on this case (pursuit of your payment)?
 
FIMAG pursues each case based on merit and will pay appropriate compensation based on substance and circumstances. You MUST CONVINCE us you are a victim with enough proof that you made payments. Once we are convinced and satisfied you have a good case, one of our banks will pay you the appropriate compensation immediately. Provide your direct telephone numbers, as it may be necessary to speak with you. Our telephone discussions are strictly on appointment. We have limited time to attend to your case. You must stop fruitless exchange of correspondence with offices/officials and take advantage of our intervention. We will hands-off your case if you do otherwise. Our dealings with you must be discreet so that the miscreants will not try to erase some records, hence prempt and jeopardise our efforts. Your prompt response and full co-operation are needed by this email : misconductaction@gmail.com
 
Yours Sincerely,
Mr. Victor Cole
Chairman, FIMAG  

Anti-fraud resources: