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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: fred attah <fredattahbnk127@gmail.com>
Reply-To: fredattahbnk124@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2023 12:11:04 +0100
Subject: GET BACK TO ME.

--
Attn
We wish to notify you that your overdue inheritance funds have been
gazette to be released into your bank account within 48hrs, via
Electronic Swift Transfer or through ATM visa card payment.

Mean while, a man came to my office this morning with a letter of
authorization purporting from you claiming to be your true
representative.

Here is his information:
Name: MR. JOHNSON CAMBELL SR.
Bank Name: WACHOVIA BANK, New York.
Account number: 6503809428.

Please, do re-confirm to this office, as a matter of urgency if this
man is truly from you, so our bank/ my office will not be held liable
effecting payment into the wrong account.

This office will legally transfer your
Inheritance fund Payment Valued at Twelve Million, Five Hundred
Thousand United State Dollars (US$12.5M)


You are hereby advice to re-confirm immediately to this office with
the below details to enable we have your correct account information
to effect your transfer as directed by the authority:
1. Your Full Name: .....................
2. Your Residence or Office Address: ..................
3. Your Complete Bank Name: ................
4. Copy of your Valid ID: .....................
5. Your cell phone/Fax number: ……………………
Be advised that your funds will be remitted into your bank account
within 48hrs as soon as you re-confirm to this office that you did not
send the above named beneficiary to claim the fund on your behalf.

DR. FRED ATTAH
Head, Banking Operations.
Eco Bank Plc

Anti-fraud resources: