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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: WESTERN UNION <atm_payment_centre_benin@yahoo.fr>
Reply-To: wu0069656@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:49:05 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: WESTERN UNION BONUS


ATTENTION BENEFICIARY,
This is to notify all our clients about the latest development concerning all the payment that are left in our custody. which yours are inclusive. However, we do understand that you could not receive your fund either you cannot afford to pay the bill given to you.
Hence, our Western Union Department here is now offering a Special bonus to help all our customers that are having their payment in our custody due to the charges given, in order words we are now requesting that those involved should pay only the sum of $47. 00 to receive all their payment abandoned in our custody.
 
Besides, my dear, this is the opportunity for you and you have to comply and your funds  shall be transfer to your destination address.
 
But note that after (2 DAYS) you did not make the payment then we will divert your funds to govement fund n order to aviod problem or we will cancel the payment as the debt will be allowed to enter the year 2012 . Again after (TWO DAYS ) We will enter A new project  for the year and that is the reason we decided to help all our customers before we enter the new project again.
 
So be advise to send the $47.00 immediately so that we will register your pyment and give the informations on how to receive your payment.
Send the money through Western Union Money Transfer with the information below:
1. Receiver Name :=======Alex Nze Nwofia
2. City/Country:==========Lagos Nigeria.
3. Question=============How Long
4. Answer:=============Today
5. Amonut:=============US$47.00
Forward the payment control number, sender name and address after sending to enable pick up the money in this Department office here.
 
I am looking forward to receive of $47.00 immediately and do reply via this email: wum8896241@yahoo.com.hk
 
 I wish you good luck.
 Yours in service
 
Director Sam Edwin, officer incharge
Western Union Department Head office
Lagos Nigeria


 

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