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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.

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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "uman ahmed" <hmedusm525@googlemail.com>
Reply-To: usmanahmed@workmail.co.za
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2008 07:54:05 -0800
Subject: HELLO


From the desk of Mr.Usman Ahmed,
Union Togolaise Bank,
Lome Togo.

Hi,

I will like to apologize for sending you this mail without seeking your
permission. I am Mr. Usman Ahmed Executive Director of the Union Togolaise
Bank Ltd, Lome Togo.

I have a lucrative 45 Million USD Business proposal for you, should be
interested in executing this with me; indicate your interest by sending me
the following:

1. YOUR NAME
2. YOUR RESIDENT ADDRESS
3. YOUR OCCUPATION
4. YOUR PHONE NUMBER
5. DATE OF BIRTH
6. COUNTRY OF RESIDENT

I shall then provide you with more details and text of application which you
will fill and submit to our bank for the commencement of the transfer of the
money to your account when I hear from you.

Sincerely,

Mr. Usman Ahmed

Anti-fraud resources: