joewein.net   joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
Try our spam filter!
Free trial for 30 days
  jwSpamSpy

Home
About Us
Spam
419/Nigeria
Fraud
Contact

"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: Grace William <marypeter484800@gmail.com>
Reply-To: gracewilliam40484@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2021 07:28:20 +0000
Subject: PLEASE I NEED YOUR HELP


MY BELOVED
I am Mrs Grace William.am from France, but I got married in West Africa,
Ivory Coast to be precise.I lived in South Africa for 30years and currently
residing in Ivory Coast, a widow to the late Engr.William Raphael. I am 67
years old and presently suffering from long time illness(breast cancer) I
am writing to you through the help of one Nurses here.I have undergone many
surgery and the way am seeing my self i don't think i can survive this
cancer because of my old age.i am currently admitted in a private hospital
here in Abidjan cote d'Ivoire.

My late husband was a contractor in both South Africa and Netherlands, he
died in a plane crash and during the period of our marriage we could not
bear any child. My late husband was very wealthy and after his death, I
inherited all his businesses and wealth both in South Africa and
Netherlands.

After the doctor’s medical pronunciation that I have just a few months to
live, I decided to divide my wealth to contribute to your country and
Africa where my late husband as a contractor made lots of money. I want to
assist you with the funds to do great charity works in your country, this
is my last wish. I selected you after searching a few websites; I prayed
and was led to you. I am willing to donate the sum of six Million, Five
Hundred thousand United States Dollars (USD$6.5m) to the less privileged
through you.

Lastly, I honestly pray that this money when transferred will be used for
the said purpose
The change of ownership will be Convey and Endorsed in your name before the
entire funds can be release to your designated bank account of your choice
within 48hrs (2 days) the procedures and how to receive these entire funds
from my bank will be directed to you as soon as you get in touch with me
shortly.

Your urgent reply will be highly appreciated,

Best Wishes,
Mrs. Grace William.

Anti-fraud resources: