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: Fera Koro <ferakoro3@zipmail.com.br>
Date: Wed, 16 Oct 2013 11:17:44 -0300
Subject: Dear Sir/Madam

Dear Sir/Madam,

It is obvious that this mail will appear to you as a surprise because we are yet to know ourselves but, I believe that true relationship begins in one day if trust and understanding reign. I have my reason for establishing a new relationship for the purpose of this transaction and that I shall relate to you as we proceed. My contacting you is for you to help me for the retrievial, transfering and investment of my inheritance (US$3.5Million) which is presently deposited in the bank here in Abidjan, Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire). For your sincere effort in helping me I have resolved to give you 15% of the total sum. Your quick and positive response to this mail will save a soul as I'm passing through a difficult situation here.
Thanks and remain blessed.
Miss Fera Koro
missferakoro@yahoo.fr
 

Anti-fraud resources: