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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: "Av. Harunna Karatas" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <av.harunakaratas@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2021 21:52:42 -0800
Subject: Business investment

Attn:

Dear sir/ma,

I, Av. Harunna Karatas, financial advisor at AK BANK, Republic of Turkey, Istanbul. I am writing this letter to present a business proposal which is mutually benefit for us. A client has a substantial amount of $25,000,000.00 (Twenty-Five Million United States Dollars Only) deposited at our bank (AK BANK) equivalent to invest in any good business that will generate profit in or outside your country. The client who is now deceased after tested positive on COVID-19 early this year (JANUARY) after his holiday time to visit China to look for a business opportunity to invest for his only son when he becomes of age.

I am writing this email to bring you in as a business partner to late client (Mr Patrick Livingstone). If you are willing to participate in this business investment proposition, see this as an opportunity for yourself and that of his only son you will receive 20% of the principal fund, 10% will be set aside for any expenses that will be incurred during the process of this investment e.g. office space rentals and staff recruitment etc. 80% will go into the business investment for a period of 10 years which the annual turnover profit will be shared 50-50 between you and my late client’s son (Jeffrey P. Livingstone Jr.)

I want you to understand that every necessary measure and formalities to make this investment opportunity a success has been set in motion. You will be given a certified power of attorney to execute, transact, and manage the said funds as you see fit without any alteration or involvement from a second party so long as you come up with a solid and profitable business plan and lucrative idea for this investment agenda. If you are willing and interested to participate in this project, please submit to me the following information stated below;

Full Name & Address:
Company Name & Address
Direct Tel/Fax Number:

Prior to your interest and compliance for submitting the above information as stated above, you shall be refer to the late client attorney who shall facilitate to you the necessary documents and power of attorney and agreement letter of the investment which shall be between you and my late client’s son (Jeffrey P. Livingstone Jr.)

I anticipate your prompt response.

Yours truly,

Av. Harunna Karatas.
Financial Advisor.
AK BANK Regional Home.
Reply to: av.harunakaratas@gmail.com

Anti-fraud resources: