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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: "STEVE COLE" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <fotreasuryukhm@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Thu, 2 Jun 2011 17:54:33 -0700
Subject: PAYMENT OF ACCUMULATED INTEREST SUM

UK TREASURY OFFICE
OF FOREIGN ASSET CONTROL REGULATIONS.
1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ, UK
Tel: +44 7024057941
Email: fotreasuryuk@live.co.uk
Dr. Steve Cole
Director, Banking Supervision dept.
Attention,
PAYMENT OF ACCUMULATED INTEREST SUM, TRN LAIKI435537672828, AMOUNT USD1,198,901-02 (ONE MILLION, ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY EIGHT THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED AND ONE UNITED STATES DOLLARS, AND TWO CENTS) ONLY.
This is to inform you that I have just received a NOTIFICATION from Deutsche bank, here in UK concerning a deposited funds of US$1,198,901.02 in their custody.
A notification for transfer that was sent previously was suspended because of the inability of the bank to settle clearance problems with the UK Treasury Department related to concern on the source of the fund, the fund has been in a suspense account and has accumulated huge interest. We can no longer keep the funds, thus is the reason you are being contacted. If you are interested in working with me, we can claim the funds for mutual use. If you will stand-in as the owner of the funds and process of transfer to your nominated account will commence immediately. We are ready to release this interest sum by TT (TELEX TRANSFER) or SPECIAL DELIVERY to your residence within 72hrs. You should get back to me without delay.
Dr. STEVE COLE
Tel: +44 7024057941
Email: fotreasuryuk@live.co.uk
In addition, you are advised to furnish me with the following information for filing application of transfer and change of ownership.
1. Your Full name and address (not postal address)
2. Your telephone and fax numbers
3. Occupation
4. Full Bank Information eg. Bank Name, Bank Address, Bank Account number and bank Swift code.
I am waiting for your prompt reply as we do not have much time; hence you should treat as urgent and of top priority.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. STEVE COLE
Director, Banking Supervision dept.

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