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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: "Mrs. Jennifer Cole" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jennifercole1954@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2010 08:54:25 -0400
Subject: I NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE

Hello,
I am sorry for this unusual manner of communication but right now, internet is my only means of reaching out to the world. I am Mrs. Jennifer Cole, an English woman. I have terminal cancer. My husband was Late Sir Henry Cole, also an Englishman. He worked with the British Railways for over two decades before his death on the 23rd of July 2006. Our marriage lasted for over a decade without a child. We had an unfulfilled plan to reach out to the less privileged and physically disabled people in the world. Prior to his death, my husband deposited the sum of 50 Million (Fifty Million British Pounds Sterling) with Alpha Bank London, UK. Presently, the money is still with the Bank. Although I am not a beneficially to this money, I have a staff in the bank who is willing to assist me have access to the fund. I have this burning desire to utilize the money for the purpose my husband intended it for. Time is also of great essence as my Doctor has given me just weeks. I am afraid to die but more afraid of leaving with
As soon as I receive your reply, I shall give you the contact of the bank in UK and my husband’s account officer. He will help you obtain a Letter of Authority that will empower you as the original beneficiary of this fund. You might be expected to visit London for this if necessary and to see things for yourself. I will also appreciate a visit at the hospital. When you can prove to us that you can genuinely and consciencously carry out the charity work, you will sign the Fund Release Order Classified Documents and a Memorandum of Understanding. Thereafter, you will pick up a Draft or fill out a form for Bank Wire Transfer for a part of the total (Fifty Million British Pounds Sterling). You can use any other means you feel safer in receiving the money to any account of your own choice. Please draft your own proposal on how you think the fund can be used for the good of humanity.
Pray for me as you consider this proposal. I hope to see you soon in London when you arrive the U.K.

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