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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: "Tarik Issah" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <tarikissah@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2015 04:07:52 -0800
Subject: FROM MRS TARIK ISSA READ AND REPLY

My names is Tarik Issah; I was a former minister of solid minerals in Libya I am in search of a reputable company or honest individual that can assist me in this deal without exposing me or runaway with my hard investment upon receipt of the money in his custody. I believe this world is a free place to do business with anyone with my experience. I got your email address from a business guest book and I have asked my personal assistance to contact you since two weeks again now, since i did not hear from you, I therefore decided to write you myself to confirm if actually you received the email and for your willingness to handle this transaction.

Please consider this as a means for us to esterblish business relationship. During my time with the Government, i made furtune and had it deposited in a foreign reserve financial institution. Now the Bank intruduced a new tax policy that is not favourable to me therefore, i contacted you for us to work together so as to change the ownership in your name. If they change it in your name, the new tax policy will not you as the new beneficiary. The total amount deposited is $43,000,000.00.

Upon your acceptance to assist me, we will agree on term/percentage from the total sum as per your share. More detail information will be giving to you as soon as i hear from you.

God bless.
Yours faithfully,
Tarik Issah.
tarikissah@gmail.com

Anti-fraud resources: