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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: Jack Browne <j1b1945@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2014 02:14:18 -0700
Subject: Fund Transfer (Urgent & Private)


Dear Sir,
 
It is my pleasure to introduce a
deal you are well-positioned to carry through with me for our mutual benefit. Recently
we completed construction of a cement plant for which government released US$679,508,750:00
based on our cost estimate. On completion actual cost was US$644,144,635:00
leaving a surplus of US$35,364,115:00. This surplus was subsequently
deliberately worked into overall project cost as we prepared final account
which has already been audited and passed okay by relevant government
department.
 
Our purpose of working in this
surplus into the project cost was to divert it later to private use through a
reliable foreign national we shall front as beneficiary in the understanding
that he supplied certain components for repairs we did. We therefore now need a
trustworthy person whose names and bank account details shall be used in
processing for release/remittance of surplus US$35,364,115:00. However after
studying your profile as presented by a diplomat we decided to work with you on
the following terms: 25% for you, 70% for us, and 5% for reimbursement of
costs. Sharing shall be as soon as fund reaches your bank account.
 
If the foregoing interests you
please send the following information immediately:
(1.)  Full names and addresses.
(2.)  Bank account details.
(3.)  Mobile phone number.
(4.)  Scanned copy of travel
passport.
While assuring you of prompt and
safe handling of this business, we look forward to your acceptance of our
offer.
 
Best regards.
 
From: Engr Jack Browne
Director
(Engineering & Technical Services Division)
Ministry of Pubic Works &
Transport

Anti-fraud resources: