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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: "Silva Owel" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <kennethsilva42@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 21 May 2015 05:52:44 -0300
Subject: We advise that you STOP further contact with them

 
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF)
DEPT: WORLD DEBT RECONCILIATION AGENCIES.
ADVISE: YOUR OUTSTANDING PAYMENT NOTIFICATION
Attention
A  power of attorney  was forwarded to our office this morning by two gentle men, one  of them is  an American  national and  he is Mr Donald Danos by name  while the other  person is  Mr Seff Sanchez  by name  a Canadian  national.
This gentlemen claimed to  be your representative, and this power of attorney stated that you are dead, they  brought an account  to replace your information in other to claim your fund, below is the new account they have submitted:
                    BANK.-HSBC CANADA
                    Vancouver, CANADA
                    ACCOUNT NO. 2984-0008-66
Be further informed that this power of attorney  also stated that you suffered and died of  throat cancer. You are therefore given 24hrs to confirm the truth in  this information, If you are still alive, You are to contact us back immediately, Because we work 24 hrs just to ensure that we monitor all the activities going on in regards to the transfer of beneficiaries inheritance and contract payment.
You are to respond immediately for clarifications on this matter as we shall be available 24 hrs to attend to you and give you the necessary guidelines on how to ensure that your payment is wired to you immediately.
Just also be informed that any Further delay from your side could be dangerous, as we would not be held responsible of  wrong payment.Please contact us via Email : kennethsilva42@gmail.com
Lastly, we also want to use this medium to pose a warning/advise to you, should in case you are already dealing with anybody or office posing to be the Africa or Abroad regarding any fake financial office, we advise that you STOP further contact with them in your best interest and contact us, with your information accordingly. The reason why you have not received your payment up till now, is because you have been dealing with the wrong people and office.
Kindly reply
Dr Silva Owel
Director Of Operation
International Monetary Funds Agents

Anti-fraud resources: