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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: "Fredrick Dawson" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <fredrick_dawson_operations@outlook.com>
Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2014 13:43:21 +0100
Subject: From Mr. Fredrick Dawson / Can I repose trust and confidence in you?

Greetings.
 
Firstly, I apologize for sending you this sensitive information via e-mail instead of a Certified mail/Post-mail.
 
This is due to the urgency and importance of the information. I humbly crave your indulgence to read this e-mail with all seriousness of purpose devoid of any doubt in your mind because is based on trust, confidentiality and sincerity of purpose in order to have an acceptable meeting of the minds.
 
My name is Fredrick Dawson; I worked here as a banker before I fell sick and was suddenly retired for some years now. There is something that has kept me back here otherwise I would have been out to another greener place but due to a project I have at hand I have not been able to leave here till now, it is on the plan of the project that am seriously committed to finalize, a life comfort and benefitting project and I wish I can share that understanding with you more intimately and confidentially.
 
When I worked in the bank, I was an account manager to certain groups of merchants who held me in confidence in their financial matters and I had the chance to have an opportunity open for us to discuss if you care. Can I repose trust and confidence in you for an important discussion of life and my transaction to you? Should I inform you??
 
Waiting for your reply.
Regards,
Mr. Fredrick Dawson.

Anti-fraud resources: