joewein.net   joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
Try our spam filter!
 Free trial for 30 days
   jwSpamSpy
Home
About Us
Spam
419/Nigeria
Fraud
Contact

"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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "MR DONALD TEMPLE B" <donaldtemple@live.com>
Date: Fri, 17 May 2013 00:31:54 -0700
Subject: your willingness to handle this project

Dear friend, I would like to apply through this medium for your co- operation and to secure an opportunity to invest and do joint business with you and my family in your country. I have a substantial capital of $7.5 million United State Dollars Only. I honorably intend to invest in your country into a very lucrative business venture of which you are to advise and execute the said venture over there for our mutual benefits. Your able co- operation is to become my business partner in your country and create ideas on how the money will be invested, properly managed after the money is transferred to your care. Meanwhile , on indication of your willingness to handle this project sincerely by protecting our interests and upon your acceptance of this proposal, I would furnish you with the full detailed information, on how this transaction will take place and who and who is involved and we will mutually agree on the percentage or sharing ratio for your assistance. I will be glad to reserve this respect and opportunity for you, if you so desire. It will be appreciated if you can give this matter your immediate attention, as I need a serious and legitimate partner only, not illegitimate partner and time wasters. The allowance would be attractive if we eventually agreed to work with each other. Looking forward to receive your swift response to my proposal, Sincerely
Mr. Donald Temple B. (From Sierra Lone)
 

Anti-fraud resources: