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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: "William Scott" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <william.scott963@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2016 15:59:40 +0100
Subject: A Corporate Business Offer

Hi ,
 
    My name is William Scott, i am an American soldier, i am serving in
    the military of the 1st Armored Division in Afghanistan, we have just been
    posted to leave Afghanistan to Sudan without prior notice. I am now in Sudan
    at the mean time, I and my superior moved funds seized from Taliban Fighters, the
    total is $10,000,000.00 (Ten million US dollars in two Boxes ) this money is
    being kept safe with a security company and the company has informed us if their
    decision to close operations in Afghanistan.
 
    Basically since we are working for the government we cannot keep these
    funds,but we want to transfer and move the funds to you, so that you
    can keep it for us in your safe account or an offshore account or cash at home in the private safe.
    We will divide the total funds in three ways, since we are 3 that is involved.
 
    This means that you will take 30%, I will take 30% ,and my superior will take 30%.
    10% will be kept aside for expenses.This business is confidential, and it should not be     discussed with anyone.
 
    There is no risk involved whatsoever. If you are interested i will send
    you the full information you should have, MY PASSPORT, PHOTOS AND DIRECT NUMBER my job is     to    find a  good     partner that we can trust and that will assist us. Can i trust you? When you receive this
    letter,kindly send me an e-mail signifying your interest including your most
    confidential telephone/fax numbers for quick communication also your contact details.
 
    This business is risk free.
 
    Respectfully submitted
    Sgt. William Scott

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