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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: "Mr. Bob Frimpong" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrbobfrimpong@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2012 03:56:39 -0800
Subject: Reply Immediately.

PANEL REVIEW AND INVESTIGATION
ON FOREIGN PAYMENT NOTIFICATION
ACCRA GHANA - WEST AFRICA.
 
Dear Sir/Ma
 
I am Pastor Bob Frimpong, The newly appointed Economic director on Foreign Payment Committee here
in West Africa. This is to bring to your notice that my office has taken over all the International delayed
money transactions with you originating from Africa and as Fund Inheritance (Next of Kin), Contract payment,
Diplomatic consignment fund, Fund deposited with Security company or a Lottery Winner due to the delay
from the financial Institutions/security company and diplomatic shipping agents as a result of excessive
demand of upfront payment and corrupt practice of some African and European officials.
However, I am Contacting you following the circulated reports on the above mentioned as your name appears
in one of the files forwarded to my office today for acknowledgement as a fund beneficiary, I have therefore
acknowledged receipt of the file and your fund would be transferred to you through Telegraphic wire transfer
(KTT) or payment through ATM Texted CARD depending on your choice.
 
Reply Immediately.
Yours Faithfully,
Bob Frimpong.

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