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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: "Stephen J P" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <joffice101@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:30:03 +0200
Subject: DEAR SIR/MADAM

Dear Sir/Madam
 
I have pick-up the trust and courage to write you this mail with divine confidence that you will be a reliable and honest person whom I could trust in this important transaction that I want to open up to you.
I am Stephen Purchase, of International Remittance Department at Royal Bank of Scotland United Kingdom.
Without wasting time, my intention is to put you forward as the next-of-kin and beneficiary of abandoned fund (£5,200,000.00) Five Million Two Hundred Thousand British Pounds Sterling Only, in the account of late George Brumley whom was a physician/geologist by profession and also work with Mining company years back instead of forfeiting it to government treasury as the regulation guiding the bank on non-operational/long dormant account stated.
There is no single risk involved.
 
We have similar cases like this here in the bank but this is the very one I am 100% sure of. I have concluded with my colleague to get this done that's why I’m sending this mail to you.
I will appreciate it if, you will pledge your unreserved commitment, in all areas, towards assisting me in this transaction. My primary objective, after you indicate your interest, will be to completely change all existing documents in your name and attach same to the account as the next of kin. You will be present as the on Surviving relation of the late owner of the account. This arrangement will automatically make you the bona-fide next of kin to the deceased.
I have perfected all the internal bank arrangement as regards this transaction with a colleague of mine; I assure you that there will be no single risk while the transaction goes on or after the transaction.
 
Please note that this deal can only take place on the following conditions:
 
1} Absolute confidentiality and sincerity will be required and guaranteed, considering our position in the bank.
2}. Assurance that our own share will be released to us in good faith when this money finally gets into your account and not to take advantage of us.
 
Finally, note: that you will be receiving at the end of this transaction, 30% of the total amount which I believe is reasonable, for your involvement and participation while 70% will be ours.
Do indicate your interest by contacting me immediately please. You will never regret this transaction in any way, trust me.
Please do contact me immediately on my email: (joffice101@gmail.com) or Direct Number: + 44 704 570 2471.
As soon as I hear from you, I will tell you the next step to take.
 
I extend my right hand of fellowship to you and request you to be my partner for I am sure you will appreciate it at the end of this transaction.
 
Highly confidential please whether interested or not.
 
All the best.
Regards
 
Stephen Purchase

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