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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: "Barrister David Cunningham Esq" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <BarristeDavidCunningham101@outlook.com>
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2015 08:19:05 -0200
Subject: Hello Dear Urgent Attention !!!! !!!

Dear Beneficiary,
 
I am Barrister David Cunningham , a licensed Solicitor London & Wales . A legal representative to a very wealthy politician from an oil rich nation in Africa .Many years ago my client who was a Senator from Africa brought in two trunk metal boxes for safe keeping as cargo into London England, it was disguised as family treasure (Gold Dust) .Prior to depositing for safe keep ,He latter confided in me that the two boxes were filled with cash money in USD . The consignment were then deposited with a security firm in greater London area.
 
I was mandated to examine the boxes before depositing and upon my examination; I found out the first bail were stamped apparently to deceive the London .customs. 8 years ago this man died of cancer and all efforts to contact his next of kin has proved abortive and no relations in sight.
 
 
My purpose of contacting you is to know if we can confidentially do business together . With my legal representation concerning the funds in question.I will use my legal experience to make you the next of kin and you will be made the bonafide owner of the funds . No risk involved whatsoever . Further details would be given to you upon your response to this message.. (A) Name (B) Mobile Telephone (C) E-mail and Physical Address (D) Proffession . I look forward to your prompt response in time for Christmas .
 
 
Yours faithfully,
 
Barrister David Cunningham Esq.
Principal Partner
Tel : +44-7452183102
Principal Partner

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