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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: Raymond Sumto <rsumto@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2014 18:16:23 +0800
Subject: Sir, Partnership in finance/investments


Dear Sir,

 
PARTNERSHIP IN FINANCE/INVESTMENT
 
Compliments of the day, in my quest for reliable business
relationship, I was in a management/finance forum held by the Human resource Dept.
of my country’s foreign affairs office, therein I got your contact and after a
careful study, I decided to reach you for finance/Investments transaction.
 
My father was formerly a finance Minister in my country and
unfortunately he died few weeks ago. However, before his death, he drew my
attention and told me that he warehoused/lodged the sum of two million and four
hundred thousand Dollars. ($2.4M) His instruction regarding to this fund was
that I should not invest it in my country because of its economic instability
and his political foes, rather it must be invested overseas where the Economy
and Political Climate is more stable.
 
My problem now is that I am an intern Civil Servant from
University. As it is, our Government Code of conduct bureau does not permit me
to own an off-shore Bank Account. As the heir in the deposit certificate, if
the money is lodged in my Local Account, it will raise eye brows because of my
young age.
 
On further thought, I decided to contact you as a foreigner
who will legally be in trust on my behalf as the beneficiary of the money in
your country to secure and assist me abroad for onward investment purposes.
 
This is where I solicit your assistance/partnership in a
quiet and confidential manner. The condition on share percentage between us
will be negotiated as soon as the transaction takes off. You also can reach me
for more understanding between us on my Email: ray_stos1@yahoo.com or call
Direct on Tel. +234-80-8855-8219.
 
I await your response.
 
Best Regards,
Ray Sumto

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