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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: "GIABA BENIN" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <giabateam@representative.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 06:50:39 -0800
Subject: Re: Re: To whom it may concern!! (Alive?)

INTER GOVERNMENTAL ACTION
GROUP AGAINST MONEY
LAUNDERING IN WEST AFRICA
     (GIABA)
   COTONOU BENIN
 
Att: Beneficiary,
 
Our File Ref No: CCHS/97531/HS-CBN-00X201/10
 
We have officially approved 50 million United States dollars being part payment of your Overdue Inheritance/Contract entitlements programmed to be paid to you, following series of documents tendered by your Representative Mr. David L. Nielsen, and your Attorney Barrister John Swatz, of J. Swatz & Associates.
They have presented a "Power of Attorney" duly signed by you in which was clearly stated that due to certain prevailing circumstances beyond your control, you could not finalize the payment process yourself, thus appointing Mr. D.L. Nielsen to act on your behalf. All payment documents have been forwarded to our appointed bank to pay the said amount to them.
 
Therefore, we need to confirm from you if the said Man and Attorney are your True Representatives, before we proceed for final order payment. Find below the account information they have presented for the transfer on your favor;
A/C Name: Blue Bell Realty, Inc.,
Bank: JP Morgan Chase Bank,
1 Chase Manhattan Plaza,
New York , NY.10081
Bank Routing #:021000021
A/C #:227863934766
We look forward to your swift response.
BRIAN SAPATI
Deputy Director General
 

Anti-fraud resources: