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.

 

 

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. PAUL LUCAS" <infopaul88@netscape.net>
Date: Fri, 20 May 2005 23:43:05 +0200
Subject: INVESTMENT PROPOSAL


Dear Sir,

FUND RELOCATION FOR INVESTMENT.

I humbly seek your assistance in a business transaction that requires
your utmost trust and ability to handle investment on behalf of a third
party in your country for a minimum period of 5years.
The funds belong to a group of politicians facing political harassment
and embarrassment from their opposition party. The funds emanated from
political contribution, contract kick - back by party members towards
their next parliamentary election.
.
With the present political situation, which is very troublesum and unstable,
the Party is urged to relocate the funds to your country for safe keeping/Investment, hence
our decision to contact you.Details would be disclosed and possibility to meet in person, on your
willingness to handle this project. The funds for the investment is
$150 Million.( One Hundred and Fifty Million USD).
.
Thanks and look forward to your response.
Sincerelly,
Mr. PAUL LUCAS
EMAIL: lucaslibnew@netscape.net

Anti-fraud resources: