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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: "Mr. Obia Micheal" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mr.obiamichael@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 17:32:34 +0100
Subject: INSTRUCTION TO CREDIT YOUR ACCOUNT

The World Bank Level 19, 14 Martin Place
CML Building Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: (61-2) 9087-2321 Fax: (61-2) 9873-3427
E-mail: mr.obiamichael@gmail.com

Beneficiary

RE: INSTRUCTION TO CREDIT YOUR ACCOUNT WITH THE SUM OF USD
$16,500,000.00 BEING YOUR INHERITANCE,CONTRACT/INVESTMENT FUND.

We in the World Bank Sydney NSW 2000, Australia wish to inform you that
you will be paid by instalments transfer and the first approved
instalment is SIXTEEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS
(USD16.5M), Do furnish this office with your full name and address
with your mobile phone and fax number including how you wishes that
your approved funds should be paid to you. Reply to: mr.obiamichael@gmail.com

Regards,
Mr. Obia Micheal(Director)
World Bank Group
External and Corporate Relations, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Anti-fraud resources: