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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: "Bright Williams" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <brightwilliams.2009@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 18:41:05 -0000
Subject: Re:Investment

Dear Sir/Madam,
We are financial consultant base in Ghana West Africa, we have a very influential client from one of Africa
royal wealthy family who is interested to invest up-to Us$500 Million that is deposited by his late father, former
president of Congo democratic in escrow account with a leading commercial bank here in Ghana into your
business or project, once you can guarantee that is a very lucrative business venture that can guarantee
a good profit return.
As manager of these funds you will be expected to manage this money for five years before returning back.
Let me know your opinion for more details.
Regards,
Bright Williams,
+233-271-289-926

Anti-fraud resources: