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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: Steve Valdes <unitednation.imf.1@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2021 13:06:40 +0100
Subject: Read and reply Please

I am sorry for invading your privacy. My name is Steve Valdes. I am from
Norway but currently in the USA. I have been a successful businessman for
the past 20 years, my business interests has spanned the sectors of metals,
oil and precious stones in Asia and Europe, during this time, I have
amassed a lot of wealth but recently I was diagnosed with esophageal
cancer. It has defiled all forms of medical treatment, and right now I have
only about a few weeks to live.

I was never generous; I have given most of my assets to my immediate family
members but my mind is not at peace since I have a dream of giving back to
the society and helping the needy in our world.I have decided to give alms
and donations to charity organizations.I cannot do this myself anymore
because of my health. I once asked members of my family to give some money
to charity organizations,they refused and kept the money for themselves
that made my health heavy and uneasy. I have a huge cash deposit in a
secured bank since 2011. I will want you to help me collect this deposit
and dispatch it to charity organizations for charity work under your
supervision.


You will take out 30% of these funds for your assistance. Please answer
these questions

[1] Full Names:

[2] Your Country:

[3] Direct Telephone

[4] Date of birth:

[5] Occupation:

Regards,
Steve Valdes.

Anti-fraud resources: