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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: Fidelis Brandon <branxllix@vfemail.net>
Reply-To: bramfellix@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 04 Oct 2015 16:48:15 +0300
Subject: Profitable Request


Attn: ,  
Thanks for your response.
 
I must thank you for giving me the audience to explain this important
issue to you.  I have been in search of someone from your country with
your surname, and who is capable of handling this transaction, so when I
came across your profile online, I was pushed to contact you and see how
best we can assist each other, because I know you are the right choice for
this transaction.  I am Fidel Brandon, a Bank Officer here in U. A. E. I
believe it is a great opportunity for me to share this vital information to
you today, which I know will interest you, as you are going to benefit from
it.
 
One Late Micheal, a citizen of your country had a fixed deposit of a
huge amount of money with my bank in 2010 for 60 calendar months, the
due date for this deposit contract was 22nd of March 2015. Sadly He was
among the death victims of March 11, 2011 Tokohu-Oki  Earthquake/ Tsunami
disaster Japan that killed over 19,000 people. He was in Tokohu-Oki on a
business trip and that was how he met his end. My bank  management is yet
to know about his death, I knew about it because he was my friend and I am
his account officer. He did not mention any Next of Kin/ Heir when  the
account was opened, and he was  not married and no children. Last week my
Bank Management requested that He should give instructions on what to do
about his funds, if to renew the contract. I know this will happen and that
was why I have been looking for a means to handle the situation, because if
my Bank Directors happen to know of his death and do not have any Heir,
they will take the funds for their personal use, so I don't want such to
happen.  That was why when I saw your profile, I was happy and I am now
seeking your co-operation to present you as Next of Kin/ Heir to the
account, since you have the same surname with him and my bank will release
the account to  you. There is no risk involved, this transaction will be
executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you and I from
any breach of law.
 
It is better that we secure this wealth, than allowing the Bank Directors
to take it, they are rich already. I am not a greedy person, so I am
proposing we share the funds equal, 50/50% to both parties, my share will
assist me to start up business after my retirement which has been my dream.
Let me know your mind on this and please do treat this information as TOP
SECRET and SERIOUS. I will give you more details once I receive your urgent
response strictly through this my personal email address.
 

Your urgent response is required through my private email:
{bramfellix@gmail.com}. Anticipating your communication soonest.

 
Regards,
Fidel Brandon.
Email: bramfellix@gmail.com

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