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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

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

Fraud email example:

From: From Ann Godwin <anngodwin101@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Fri, 6 Sep 2013 03:04:57 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: IF GOD SAYs YES ,




Thanks for your attention


Am Miss Ann Godwin the only child of my
late parents Mr./Mrs.Basil Godwin. My father was a highly reputable
businness magnet who operated in the capital of my country during his
days.
 
It is sad to say that he passed away mysteriously in
France during one of his business trips abroad on the September 2012.
Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to have been
master minded by an uncle of his who traveled with him at that time.But
God knows the truth! My mother died when I was just 9yrs old, and since
then my father took me so special. Before his death on September 2012,
he called me and informed me that he has the sum of Four Million, Two
Hundred Thousand United State Dollars. ($4,200,000.USD) left in fixed
deposit account in one of the leading banks here in my
country.He further told me that he deposited the money in my name, and
he also gave me all the necessary but legal documents to this fund with
the bank.
 
 I am just 24 years old and a university undergraduate
and really do not know what to do. Now I want an account overseas where
I can transfer this funds and after the transaction I will come and
reside permanently in your country till such a time that it will be
convinient for me to return back home if I so desire. This is because I
have Suffered a lot of set backs as a result of incessant political
crisis here in my CONUTRY. The death of my father actually brought
sorrow to my life. I also want to invest the fund under your care
because I am ignorant of business world.
 
I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards. Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded.

Now permit me to ask these few questions:
 
1. Can you honestly help
me from your heart?

2. Can I completely trust you?

Please consider this and get back to me as soon as possible.
 
Immedaitely I confirm your willingness, I will send to you The Detail And Also inform you more details involved in this matter,
  God bless you,

Kind Regards,
Miss Ann Godwin

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