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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: FRANK COLE <ekemzee@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: frank.cole59@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 17 May 2010 04:38:00 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: WAITING FOR YOUR REPLY


Dear Sir,

In line with the mandate given to me by my colleagues and associates serving in the oil sector of the government of Venezuela , I write to contact you for a business opportunity with the believe that you can be interested in handling the transaction with us.

 I am a financial consultant based in London . My friends in Venezuela has the sum of 15 million USD which is accrued from an over invoiced contract for the maintenance of their country’s refineries. The contractor of   this project has been duely paid and this over invoiced fund is still floating with the bank unclaimed.

We are now seeking for a trust worthy partner whom we can remit this funds (15 M USD) into his account for further disbursement as will be agreed. I would have used my bank account but my financial status and limits are known by the Government here. All documents and fund remittance process will be handled legitimately to enhance a risk free transfer. If you are trustworthy and willing to handle this transaction with us, kindly indicate urgently. we are willing to give you 20% of the total  fund of 15M USD, I will receive 5% service charge, 2% will be set aside to offset all expenses that will be incurred in the process. The remaining 73% will be for my colleagues. However, if this sharing arrangement is not suitable to you we can negotiate.

Based on this, you are required to send to me your banking details where the fund will be remitted, your full names and your direct contact telephone number for easier communication if you are interested .As soon as I receive your positive response with the above needed information, I shall commence with the procurement of the needed documents.

I await your urgent reply,

Regards,
Frank Cole

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