joewein.net   joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
Try our spam filter!
Free trial for 30 days
  jwSpamSpy

Home
About Us
Spam
419/Nigeria
Fraud
Contact

"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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: LARRY NICHOLSON <larrynicholson8@yahoo.co.uk>
Reply-To: LARRY NICHOLSON <larrynicholson41182@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 08:42:18 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Re: Classified Information


Hello,
I am Larry Nicholson, the director of sales at commodities trading company. A paradigm in commodities, we are a company that deals on mechanical equipment, hardware and minerals, electrical products, medical, chemicals and industrial products.
We are setting up a satellite office in Canada in two weeks from now. Due to my busy schedule, I am always in need of a permanent PERSONAL ASSISTANT to carry out the duties listed below:
Manage all Office admin need, services, contracts, supplies etc.Arranging travel, accommodation, organizing, maintaining diaries and making appointments and also provide general assistance during presentations.
Maintaining client information in in-house database liaising with clients and suppliers.
Provide word-processing and secretarial support Type confidential documents on a word-processing system the incumbent must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties related to the office.The incumbent must also demonstrate the following additional attributes: Be honest, trust worthy, be respectful, be flexible and demonstrate sound work ethics.
Basic salary $1,000 weekly / $4,000 monthly without taxes.
Kindly reply this email with your phone number and the best time to call so we can set up an interview if necessary.
Regards,
Larry Nicholson.


Anti-fraud resources: