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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: Brendan Cook <brendane_cook@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <brendan_cook2013@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Feb 2014 12:09:28 +0000
Subject: URGENT AND STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL


Hello, Good day to you! I took part in a recent audit at HSBC Private Bank UK, as a top management personnel, I am privileged to certain information and I have decided to share this with you in absolute confidentiality as it concerns you. Though you were not listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of $26.2M USD (Twenty Six Million Two Hundred Thousand United States dollars) of a deceased who may be related to you (perhaps) in the UK, who died intestate (with no Will or Next of Kin) some years ago in the Tsunami tragedy in Indonesia (names withheld for security reason). To maintain the level of security required I have intentionally left out the final details. I contacted you because you bear the same LAST NAME identity with the deceased and therefore can present you as the (Next of Kin) to the inheritance claim. I therefore reckon that you can receive these funds as you are qualified by your last name identity. I urge you to come forward since I can provide you with the details needed for you to claim the estate/capital so that we can be gratified by you, we intend to offer you 35% and 60% for us and the remaining 5% for miscellaneous expenses incurred during the cost of this mutual project though my colleagues and I will do all the crucial part in the bank to have the inheritance claim released to you promptly. All the legal papers will be processed in your acceptance of this mutually beneficial project, I hereby request that you kindly forward to my private email: 1) A letter of acceptance; 2) Your full names, 3) Home address, 4) Occupation/place of work and position held, 5) Telephone, fax and mobile 6) Scanned photocopy of your id in the form of business card or international passport or driver’s license.These are to enable us prepare the necessary bank papers to effect the quick release of the inheritance funds to your nominated bank account. I wait in anticipation for your fullest cooperation. Sincerely,Brendan Cook, HSBC UK

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