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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: "The Head of Anti-Corruption Committee" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ibrahimkazzim@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2017 00:41:59 -0800
Subject: CAN WE DO THIS TOGETHER?

 
Sir,
I write to inform you that our annual investigation reports on financial and allied matters are out and it is drawn to us that your long overdue inheritance fund is yet to be release to you.
However, the Togo department of Economic and Financial crime commission in conjunction with the United Nations Financial Monetary Team has been dutifully informed about these investigations. The Togo government and United Nations Financial Monetary Team have sincerely apologised for the inconveniences that were melted on you by some nefarious bankers and government officials here in Africa and outside Africa on your cause of pursuance of your inheritance find.
I know that this letter will come to you as a surprise, but first I will like to introduce  myself; I am Ibrahim Kazzim  the Head of newly step up “Anti Crime/Corruption Committee situated in Lome, Togo. In line with the Anti-crime/corruption crusade in Togo, we have been officially compel by the Togolise government in conjunction with the World bank, United Nations on financial crime(United Nations Financial Monetary Team) and the US FBI on financial crime to recall all uncompleted transfers back to Togo and as well reinvestigate the origin and ensure a hitch free release of part payment of $2,525,000 to the intended beneficiaries.
This particular commission was initiated to detect, financial crime, frauds; funds transfer delay/impersonation of Government officials and other related financial crime activities. Secondly, we are mandated by the Togolise Government to settle all foreign debts, fraud victims, unpaid beneficiaries to satisfactory in other to maintain peace in the world at large and also to create a good relationship with the international bodies.
This Medium is to notify you that your inheritance funds has been recalled back to Togo and will be retransferred to your designated account either by bank transfer, casher’s cheque or through cash payment that will be issued in your name and your address. Your payment will be actualized within 3 working days upon your response to this official Letter. For further clarifications kindly send the below information to us immediately:
1. Data page of your Identification.
2. Mobile and fax number (for regular official contact).
3. Your Bank details
4. Your desired mode of payment
These above-mentioned information’s will enable us legally to carry out our verification process and after that your inheritance funds will be Electronically wired direct to your designated Bank account through the UTB.
Your immediate compliance to this will expedite actions on your Payment because here in this office, we have a lot of listed victims to be settled. We do not intend to deal with a third party to avoid reoccurrences of your past experiences; henceforth you should stop further communications with anybody here in Togo, both at the bank or with lawyers or representative of any kind till your fund is finally transferred to you.
Your communication will only be with this office till you receive your fund.
Awaiting your response,
 
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Ibrahim Kazzim
The Head of Anti-Corruption Committee
Lome, Togo.

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