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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: "Dr. Andy Uba" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <andyuba.office@yahoo.com.ph>
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2013 01:23:34 +0200
Subject: Your Response Is Highly Imperative

""

Dear Friend,

I am Senator Andy Uba, the present chairman of foreign contract payment committee Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Republic of Nigeria. I sincerely need

your assistance to claim and receive fund worth Fifty Million United State Dollars (US$40,000,000.00) arose from over-inflated contract awarded by Nigeria's

Ministry of Finance to foreign firm.

I have worked for about 30 years and I will retire by January 2014 to start my own business. Now, I need your very kind assistance for the transfer of (US

$40,000,000.00) to your bank account.

Introduction: This money was found by our Auditors during our mid year check of the Financial records as an over surplus having paid all our foreign

Contractors for jobs already done. I have fashioned out a foolproof plan to successfully transfer the funds to an account belonging to a foreigner who will

act as the contractor/beneficiary of the fund.

I want to front you as the beneficiary of the fund and 25% will be your compensation for this assistance and you shall keep my share 75% safely in your bank

account for investment in your country.

This business is safe, risk free and confidential without any third party. I intend to use my own share to invest in your country under your management, so

that after my retirement I will not suffer. Please send me your name,address,private telephone number/fax number

As soon as you reply back with the information, I will commence processing of the necessary legal documents on your favor as the beneficiary.

I remain
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Andy Uba

Anti-fraud resources: