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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: "Barr. James Freeman" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jamesfreema002@ qq.com>
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2015 23:20:35 +1000
Subject: Hello!!

Good day,

I’m sorry to bother you with my letter, although this will enlarge your business investment. The sum of US$45.5 million was deposited in my name in one of the leading European bank since 2008 by my late client.

Now, the bank has mandated me to present a relation of the depositor, but the late depositor instructed me not to disclosed this to any of his relations even after his death, therefore I have concluded that the best

option is to contact a foreigner who will act on my behalf as a relation of the depositor, since the bank is adamant that I must present someone, therefore I have decide to contact you for one reason;

1.) That you have knowledge on capital investment in the field of your specialization as you will invest the fund in your country for a period of 7yrs.
At the end of the 7th year, you will return to me 70% of the total sum (US$45.5 million) and take 30% the of the total sum plus the profit you realized for that 7yrs as your share of the fund. As a Lawyer, I will back

you up with the necessary documents to ensure that there is no delay in transfer of fund to your bank account in your country. You must assure me that your country allows investment, because I will not admit any lost

in capital sum at the end of 7yrs.

If you are capable and willing to invest this fund, probably to increase your capital in your company or, you want to start new business, maybe waiting for funds to commence, this is an opportunity for you.

Do get back to me ASAP.

Thank you.

Barr. James Freeman

Anti-fraud resources: