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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

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

Fraud email example:

From: Don Madu <madud247@hotmail.com>
Date: Sun, 22 Mar 2015 14:45:45 +0000
Subject: Fund Transfer


Engr John Madu
Project Manager
Project Implementation Unit
Nigeria Petroleum Development Company Ltd,
Benin City,
Nigeria.


Dear Sir,


I
contact you regarding surplus fund from deliberately over-invoiced
project we just completed. The over-invoiced amount of US$49 million now
ready for payment is to be diverted for sharing between two of my key
colleagues and I. But it has to be released as sub-contract payment to a
foreign national because the contract that it relates to was done by a
foreign company. However, it is interesting for you to note that final
account for this project has been audited and passed, thereby
authorizing payment of this money.


With this development, We
now need a foreign national to be fronted as the sub-contractor in whose
name release of this money shall be processed. From your profile as
detailed in a trade journal, we wish to carry this business through with
you on the following terms: 30% amounting to US$14.7 million for you,
60% amounting to US$29.4 million for us, 10% amounting to US$4.9 million
for reimbursement of cost. This sharing shall be done as soon as money
reaches your bank account.


To enable us start this business, please send your full names and address, banking details, and mobile phone number.


Regards.


Engr John Madu

Anti-fraud resources: