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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: "REV. MARTIN COLE" <frankleo23@outlook.com>
Reply-To: <usaembassy689@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 06:54:20 -0700
Subject: U.S.A EMBASSY FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.

U.S.A EMBASSY FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
Metro Plaza, Plot 991/992
Zakari Maimalari Street
Cadastral Zone AO,
Central Business District, West Africa
 
ATTENTION,
 
 
AMERICAN EMBASSY in Benin Republic,Nigeria,Ghana and Bokina-faso received a report of scam against you and other Sweden/US citizens and Malaysia Etc. whom the country of Benin/Nigeria,Bokina faso And Ghana have recompensed you due to meeting held with Four countries Government and the world high Commissions against fraud activities by the Four Country Citizens.
Your name was among those scammed as listed by the West Africa Financial Intelligent Unit (WAFIU). A re-compensation has been issued out in ATM card to all the affected victims and has been already in distribution to all the bearers. Your ATM card was among those that was reported undelivered since Friday last week and we wish to advise you to see to the instructions of the Committee to make sure you receives your ATM card immediately for your depositing into your account.
 
 
WAFIU further told us that the use of Benin Couriers service was abolished due to interception activities noticed in the above mentioned courier services in Benin,Nigeria and Ghana and there by have made a concrete arrangement with the DHL Courier Company for a safe delivery to your door-step once the beneficiary meets up with $275 the demand of the conveyance .
We advise that you do the needful to make sure the WAFIU dispatches your recompense to you. You are assured of the safety of your ATM card and availability and be advised that you should stop further contacts with all the fake lawyers and security companies who in collaboration scammed you.
 
 
I, BEING DR. MIKE MORRIS MAKES THIS GUARANTEE WITH SINCERITY, HAVING CONSULTED WITH THE OFFICE OF MAJESTIC COURT TOP-MOST HEAD QUOTER, WITNESSED BY THE OFFICE LEGAL ATTORNEY: BARRISTER HILL WELLS.
NOTE: THIS IS A LAST AND FINAL GUARANTEE; ONCE AND FOR ALL GUARANTEE; IRREVOCABLE GUARANTEE.
 
It is my pleasure to inform you that ATM Card Number; 5951 3901 2365 2671 have been approved in your favor. Your Personal Identification Number is 822. The ATM Card Value is $9,500.000.00 USD ONLY. You advised that a maximum withdrawal value of $5,000.00 USD is permitted on withdrawal per Day and we are duly Inter Switch and you can make withdrawal in any location and ATM Center of your choice.
I wait to hear from you immediately you make the payment.
 
 
Your's in Service,
Rev. Martin Cole.
Director,(PhD).
CONSULAR,
U.S.A EMBASSY

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