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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: "Intelligence Unit" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <communicationfiu.force@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2017 22:05:18 -0700
Subject: UK Financial Intelligence Unit .We have stopped the transfer of your fund

UK Financial Intelligence Unit
Address: Units 1 - 6 Citadel Place,
Tinworth Street, London SE11 5EF
Telephone: 0370 496 762 (available 24/7)
 
 
 
Sir.
 
It has been discovered that your FUNDS was about being transferred to an unknown account under your name. This attempt was perpetrated by someone who claims to be working for you in Africa, and that you have given him due authority to have the FUNDS moved to the account
(withheld).
 
The UK Financial Intelligence Unit waded in after being alerted by the International Monitory Fund (IMF) We investigated and found out that there is a possible money laundering activity in play. The FUNDS was suppose to be deposited in your bank and  in your name pending your
consent to have it transfer upon which you have comply with the transfer process, It was further revealed that initial FUNDS transfer originated from Africa and now here in Bank UK . These transfers did not follow due process in line with the International FUNDS transfer
rules and regulation.
 
Consequently, we suspect this to have connection with terrorism funding, drug related and/or money laundering whereas it is an inherit contract payment fund of US$10.5M. As stated above, the FUND has your name on it; and you must have it cleared of any connection with any of
these illegal activities. Be informed that FAILURE to have this cleared out will attract a state prosecution and possible JAIL TERM.We will not hesitate to visit the full weight of the law upon you if you do not clear these funds of any illegality and illegitimacy. There
is every indication that you are involved in this shady deal.
 
Finally, you are expected to have the Non-Resident Banking Legalization and Clean Bill Clearance from the UK authority to have you and your funds cleared. Only then shall we release your FUNDs as
clean money devoid of any illegality, and you will be free of any involvement.
 
Best Regards,
Keith Famer
UK Financial Intelligence Unit

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