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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: "Kenneth Buff" (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2011 07:12:14 +0200
Subject: RE: Please revert back

Dear Friend,
 
My name is Staff Sgt. Kenneth Buff, I am a Sergeant, US Army presently with the United Nations troop in Iraq and Afghanistan, on war against terrorism. Our mission is to help beef up terrorist targeted states, mostly the United states and the European Union on war against terrorism. I have in my possession the sum of $380 million, This was recovered from one of our raids on terrorists here in Iraq and Afghanistan because they keep most of their money at home for evil activities which they normally get through illegal deals.
 
Based on the suffering we undergo here, some of us do meet such luck. It happened that I went for this raid with the men in my unit and discovered the fund and I decided to take it as my share for my stress here in this evil land filled with suicide bombers. I have moved this funds out of Iraq and Afghanistan through Diplomatic Channels and presently the $380 million is outside Iraq, I will let you know the location of the funds when I received your positive response. I am an American and an intelligence officer for so I have 100% authentic means of moving the money through diplomatic Channels. I just need your acceptance and assistance and all is done.
 
Please view this website for more details: www.jonathanforeman.com/military/nyp_iraq/04192003_chest.html
 
THE RATIO OF SHARING THE FUNDS WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
YOU will have 45% of the total amount, 5% has been earmarked to refund you back your expenses While 55% will be for me and my officers.
 
Please note that this deal will required you traveling outside your country to claim the luggage that contains the money.
 
If you are interested come back to me ASAP but if you are not interested delete my message from your mail box OK, because it is never a must you handle the deal with me.
 
Sincerely,
Sgt. Kenneth Buff

Anti-fraud resources: