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joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "million dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "dear beneficiary," (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
- "executive governor" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Godwin Emefiele" <godemefiele.nigcbngov@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 26 Mar 2023 15:25:18 +0000
Subject: Reconfirm your details to me now if you are the real beneficiary of
the $35.5 million dollars.
Dear Beneficiary,
As the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) investigation shows
that you have lost so much money to the criminals but advise you to
work with me if you want to receive your overdue $35.5 million dollars
ok. To prove that you are the real beneficiary send your names,
address and phone number to me now so we can cross-check if it tallies
with what we have in our system to avoid mistake.
Lastly, note your $35.5 million is listed among the 10 payments to be
released this quarter while assuring you that you will receive your
fund if all fund release due processes are completed by you the
beneficiary as stipulated by law. I am expecting you to respond to
this mail promptly and failure to reconfirm your details means it is
fictitious and non-existed and would be treated accordingly.
Mr. Godwin Emefiele,
Executive Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
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Anti-fraud resources:
