joewein.de LLC fighting spam and scams on the Internet

Try our spam filter! Free trial for 30 days

"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
• "Is that email a scam?" - Check it online here!
  
• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
• Support our efforts to stop scams!
  
• How to report 419 spam to us
• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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.

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:
  • "please endeavor to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "into your nominated bank account" (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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "FRANK MENSAH" <fmensah266@colombia.com>
Reply-To: frankmens_icb@gawab.com
Date: Tue, 27 May 2008 16:51:25 +0100
Subject: INTEREST TO SHARE WITH YOU


Frank Mensah
Manager, I.C.B LTD
Kaneshie branch,
Ghana.

WIRE TRANSFER

I have a lucrative business of mutual interest to share with you. I got your
reference in my search for someone who suits my proposed business
relationship.
My name is Frank Mensah; I am the Branch manager of the International
Commercial Bank, Kaneshie branch, Ghana. I am 49 years, and married with
Three children.

My business proposal to you involves the transfer of Six Million, Seven
Hundred and Seventy Thousand Dollar [$6,770,000.00] from my bank into your
nominated bank account. Everything concerning this transaction shall be
legally done and all relevant information supplied by me.
Please endeavor to observe utmost discretion in all matters concerning this
issue. Once the funds have been successfully transferred into your account,
you will have 35% of the total fund, and I shall direct you on how I get my
share. Note that there is practically no risks involved, it will be bank to
bank (wire) transfer.

Please, there would be relevance in your reply if it is positive. Although
nothing ventured is nothing gained.
Your earliest response to this letter will be appreciated as it will give me
the zeal to furnish you with more information about this transaction.

Cordially Yours,

Frank Mensah
Manager, I.C.B LTD
Kaneshie branch,
Ghana.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam