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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: "Victoria E. Alexander" <sharonwillia@sbcglobal.net>
Reply-To: paymetoffshorefinancialservi@osoud.org
Date: Sat, 9 Jan 2010 00:50:45 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Happy New Year! (Important Urgent Message)


Attn: Customer,
Subject: Funds Transfer Notification
Subject: Ref:OFSL/UK001/01
Date: 09/01/2010
                               
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,
RE: TRANSFER OF $2.3MUSD ON REF: BR/102/0005B/06
 
We are writing to bring to your notice that due to the world global financial crisis that has affected  CITI-BANK LONDON  (BCEAO) world wild, CITI-BANK (BCEAO) would not be able to make your payment of such amount directly to your nominated bank in line with that, we have decided that your payment be made  THROUGH OUR OFF-SHORE PAYMENT CENTER  USA,At the moment they are the only capable Country Apex Bank in USA  that could remit your funds through their online banking network. 
 
All transfer file connecting to your payment has been forwarded to OUR OFF-SHORE PAYMENT CENTER  USA, and you are hereby advised to immediately contact their International Remmtiance Units for the final release/transfer of your funds as instructed without delay do contact the concern bank immediately.
 
Below is the Off-Shore Financial Services Payment Center :
 
Contact Person: Dr Logan Wendell
E-mail Address: paymetoffshorefinancialservi@osoud.org
Address: 1897 Grand Central Avenue Horse heads,
Atlanta Gerogia , GA 30093 , USA .
 
FINALLY, DO RECONFIRMS YOUR BANK DATA'S BANK INFORMATION.
 
Make sure you open up communication with the Remittance Director immediately you received this mail and follow up with all due procedures as will be advise by the officer.
 
Congratulation once again.
 
Regards,
Barrister Victoria E. Alexander
Phone +44 703 5950 816
Transfer Department Manager,
Citi-Bank London Uk .

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