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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: "Christ D.Takens, Esq" (may be fake)
Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2017 20:46:10 +0100
Subject: RE: BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

Christ D.Takens, Esq
Edinburgh EH1 1RF
13/08/2017

I'm Christ Takens at law firm which is located in Edinburgh EH1 1RF, Scotland, I am contacting you in regards to a deceased client who died in Belgium on July 2014, He was a prominent client of mine and a Chattered Accountant.

Before his death, my client deposited €37,200,000.00 (Thirty Seven Million Two Hundred Thousand Euro) in a financial institution, Documentations regarding these transaction indicates that claims can only be made by relatives/family members. I can perfect can present you, that makes you eligible for this claim. Unfortunately he has no will at the time of his death (Interstate). All efforts made revealed no link to any of his family member.

However, because of the international financial crises, allot of reform has been made within the United Kingdom Financial system; this includes the new law on succession/claims which indicates a duration in which such inheritance could be tolerated. The financial institution has mandated me to present the next of kin or a relative who will claim the fund. failure to respond to this ultimatum would legally allow the financial institution report such fund to the Bank of England which could be confiscated as unclaimed estate (And eventually go straight to Government's pocket).

I have put in place all necessary requirements concerning the release of this funds and it is my intention to introduce this opportunity to you as the beneficiary. Please note that i'm legally equipped with all necessary information/documentation concerning this fund.

I have decided to contact you with this offer. Upon your acceptance to cooperate, I agreed that 40% of this money will be for you, 40% for me and 20% goes to any acceptable charity organization in here in Scotland/England or in your Country.

For security and confidential reasons; I strongly advise that you firstly contact me via email or fax, immediately you get in touch with me with your contact details, i would be able to inform you on more details and next step.

In conclusion, it's my utmost to demand your ultimate honesty, co-operation and confidentiality. I GUARANTEE that process will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that would legally protect from any reach of law.

Please, again, note I am a family man. I have wife and children. I send you this mail not without a measure of fear as to what the consequences, but I know within me that nothing ventured is nothing gained and that success and riches never come easy or on a platter of gold. This is the one truth I have learned from my law practice and personal relationship with clients. Do not betray my confidence.

I await your response.

Barrister Christ D.Takens, Esq

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