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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: Paochinda Thaugsuban <adb_office2008@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: paochinda_t@ymail.com
Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:26:57 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Treat as urgent and important.


Dear Sir,
 
I received instruction from Mr. Suthachai Yimprasert to find someone, a foreigner who can assist him protect his remaining fund and investment in Thailand. Mr. Suthachai Yimprasert is presently under arrest in Thailand and some of his assets have been frozen by the Government of Thailand over his activities during the Government-Redshirts face off in Bangkok. He needs to transfer out of Thailand a total sum of US$6,457,000 in his secret account to an offshore non-resident bank account immediately.
 
In order for him to do so he needs you to sign a document as "next to kin" agreement with his lawyer in Bangkok, Thailand to ensure the security of the fund in your hand.
 
He claims that upon completion of the wire transfer to you, he will somehow find a way to escape Thailand and move to Korea with his family, at which time you will be entitled to 20%, for your troubles. He insists that as this is a life or death matter the entire transaction must be completed within two weeks. And heaven forbid he should be killed, leaving you with all the money he plead that you take care of his family. He said the lawyer shall provide you with copies of the Deposit Certificate and other documents between himself and the bank.
 
If you agree, could you send me the following information?
 
1. Your contact addresses and telephone number.
2. Your bank information for wire instruction.
 
Treat as urgent and important.
 
Paochinda Thaugsuban




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