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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: Ms. Grace Kuoame <helen_nelson01@yahoo.cn>
Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2012 23:35:12 +0800
Subject: Dear Sir,


Dear Sir,

I wish to let you know that my chosen you in this transaction is not carnal but through the direction of God. I was praying and fasting for a reliable and honest person when you were spiritually introduced to me, that I should contact you for help.

I am Miss Grace Kouame, 18 years old and the only daughter of my late parent Mr. Boney Kouame. My father was a highly reputable business man (a cocoa merchant) who operated in the capital of Ivory Coast during his days. It is sad to say that he passed away mysteriously in France during one of his business trips abroad on 12th. February, 2009. Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to have been masterminded by an uncle of his who traveled with him at that time; but God knows the truth! My mother died when I was just 4 years old, and since then my father took me so special.

Before his death on February 12, 2009, he told me that he has the sum of Nine million, five hundred thousand United State Dollars. ($ 9.500.000) left in a bank here. He further told me that he deposited the money in my name as his only heir. I am just 18 years old and a university undergraduate and really don't know what to do. This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a result of incessant political crisis here in Ivory coast. The death of my father actually brought sorrow to my life.

I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance and response through my private email gracebony04@yahoo.com

Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded.

Now permit me to ask these few questions:-
1. Can you honestly help me as your daughter?
2. Can I completely trust you?

My sincere regards,
Ms. Grace Kuoame




Anti-fraud resources: