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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: Andrew Wolley <andrewolley@verizon.net>
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:56:47 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Surprise


Greeting,
My name is ANDREW WOLLEY, DIRECTOR, INTL, REMMITTANCE DEPARTMENT CITIBANK OF BENIN REPUBLIC; I wish to let you know that, I have made arranged with the Administrative officer the board of Directors and all Banking staff to bring out your ATM SOFT CARD amount: 10.5 million USD. For approval and deliver immediately, I know it will be a great surprise to you reading from me today but consider this as a divine intervention. As matter of fact your ATM CARD is ready to Post via courier Company, but we need Your Full details, your Cell Phone number to receive it ok.
Regard To.
 
DR.ANDREW WOLLEY
DIRECTOR

Anti-fraud resources: