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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: andrew khoo <andrew_56@msn.com>
Reply-To: <andrew.khoo71@yahoo.com.my>
Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 18:48:50 +0000
Subject: Dear One Urgent Respond Needed




Dear One,
In or about Oct. 2008, a client of mine made some fixed deposit with a Malaysian Bank. Unfortunately, he died after a brief illness as an effect of heart failure (Cardiac Arrest) on the 14th January 2009. I humbly apologise for the means through which you are been contacted in this respect. My name is Andrew Khoo , a legal practitioner. I wish to plead for your assistance in securing the said funds (USD$11,725,000.00) to avoid confiscation by the Malaysian Bank. The bank has issued a the third time Legal Notification Letter to contact and provide the Next-of-Kin to this funds otherwise the account will be confiscated and converted into the Malaysian Government Treasury.
My proposition to you is to seek your consent to present you as the next-of-kin and beneficiary of the funds. The proceeds of this account can possibly be paid to you, thereafter, we could share the amount on mutual agreed percentages. All legal documents to back up your claim as my late client's next of kin will be gradually provided by myself.
All I require is your honest co-operation to enable us see this transaction through. This will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you and myself from any breach of law. If this business proposition offends your moral values, do accept my apology. I must use this opportunity to implore you to exercise the utmost indulgence to keep this matter absolute confidential, whatever your decision, while I await your prompt response. Please contact me at once to indicate your interest and more details shall be provided.
Note: This transaction will be treated private with absolute confidentiality and sincerity.*******************************************************************************************
Best Regards
Andrew khoo

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