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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: Faith Williams <faithw020@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 11:09:34 +0100
Subject: Good Day My Dear,

Good Day My Dear,

My name is Mrs. Faith Williams from Philippine. I am a sick woman who
has decided to donate what I have to charity through you. You may be
wondering why I chose you. Busomeone has to be chosen. I am 35 years
old and was diagnosed for cancer about 2 years ago, immediately after
the death of my husband who had left me everything he worked for when
he was working in our Embassy for nine years before his death . I am
suffering from a long time cancer, which also affected my heart.

My husband and I are Christians, but quite unfortunately, he died by
poisoning. l will be going in for an operation, and I pray that I
survive the operation. I have decided to WILL / Donate the sum of $4.5
Million United State Dollars to charity through you for the good work
of the lord, and to help the motherless, less privileged and also for
the assistance of the widows.

I inherited a total sum of $4.5 million dollars from my late husband,
this money which is concealed in a metallic trunk box is deposited
with a security and finance company here in COTE D'IVOIRE This deposit
was coded under a secret arrangement as a family treasure.This means
that the security company does not know the content of this trunk box.

Presently, I have informed the security company about my decision in
WILLING this trunk box to you. I wish you all the best and may the
good Lord bless you abundantly, and please use the funds well and
always extend the good work to others. If you are interested in
carrying out this task, I will kindly want you to write me back for
further direction and on how to carry out this task.

I know i have never met you but my mind tells me to do this with me
and I hope you act sincerely. Your beloved sister in Christ,
Mrs Faith

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