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: Vivian Chinamasa <chinviv2@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 4 Oct 2013 14:28:16 +0200
Subject: FROM VIVIAN

I am Mrs vivian chinamasa , a widow and national of Zimbabwe . I was
married to late Mr.peter chinamasa , a left - Wing leader and a strong
opposition to the government of Zimbabwe led by Robert Mugabe.

My husband ,late Peter chinamasa's death was politically motivated
during white farmers Revolt over land ownership and acquisition by
government last year which led to mass killing, rape and treason in
Zimbabwe.My husband's WILL and TESTAMENT as executed by a reputable
attorney shows that he bequeath his personal effects ,his two houses
here in Zimbabwe ,Ten Million Dollars (US$10m)which is presently
Abroad to me his widow and our Ten year old son,Tony Chinamasa
absolutely.My son and I as the trustee of this WILL can apply the Ten
Million Dollars (US10M) in any viable investment with the aid of an

investor we so desire.

I really need your advise and cooperation so that this money ,Ten
Million Ten Dollars (US$10M) can be invested in your company or any
viable project in your country as my safety and that of my son is no
longer guaranteed in Zimbabwe.Government forces keep watch on my
husband's house twenty four hours daily.

I have taken you in total confidence and I hope you will not fail me.

I shall send to you a power of attorney which will enable you take
delivery of the fund Ten Million Dollars(US$10M) ,so that I and
little son can leave this country immediately.(PLEASE VERY IMPORTANTLY
REPLY TO MY PRIVATE EMAIL:chinviv@sify.com).

Treat as Urgent
Yours sincerely,
Vivian

Anti-fraud resources: