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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: "URGENT ATTENTION" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <peter.sullivan@mailbox.co.za>
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016 18:13:41 -0800
Subject: Read Through it and Contact''

Attn: Dear Friend.
 
 
My name is Dr. Peter D Sullivan; I am the CEO STANDARD BANK OF SA LTD Area City of Cape Town.
 
 
I have packaged a financial transaction that will benefit you and I As MANAGING DIRECTOR/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER STANDARD BANK; it is my duty to send in financial report to my Head office in the Headquarters at the end of each fiscal year, Business Report.
 
 
I discovered that the branch in which I am the manager made 29.5Million United State. Dollars ($29,500,000.00) I realized this fund from my bank excess profit after trading). I got your contact when I was searching for an overseas partner to assist me through banker's seminar held recently in SA; I have the opportunity of transferring the left over funds ($29.500million) I have placed this funds on what we call escrow account with no beneficiary.
 
 
I am inviting you for a business deal where this money can be transfer to a foreign account shared between us in the ratio of 60% for me,40% for you and if you agree to my business proposal. Further details of the transfer will be forwarded to you as soon as I receive your return mail.
 
 
Furthermore furnish me with the following details via my private email address: (info.std@safrica.com)
 
 
a) Your Full Name
b) Your contact address
c) Your Mobile Telephone and Fax
d) Your Occupation and Age
e) A scan copy of any of your Proof of Identification
 
 
Thanks for your understanding, co-operation and trust.
 
I await your urgent reply so that we can proceed immediately.
 
Best regards,

Dr. Peter D Sullivan

Anti-fraud resources: