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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: "United Nation" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <account.dept@shqiptar.eu>
Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2015 05:14:33 -0400
Subject: Re: Your payment application has arrived

 
 
 
Dear Customer,
 
                                      Re: Your payment application has arrived
Attached document is for  you to verify the man called Mr.Jones, who came to our office this morning  that you gave him permission that your fund should be re-called and wired directly into this bank account in China,please update us if you are aware of his coming here, why we called you is to avoid your fund being diverted into wrong account.
We need your urgent attention to reach us. In case it is not your consent, contact this office directly so that you do not get yourself into the hands of the same elements that could be behind this.
I await your further instructions.
Thanks,
Dr. Jim Ovia
Head Payment Officer(TT)
Central Bank Plc
 

Anti-fraud resources: