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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: "Mrs. Vanessa Thomas" <thomasthsass@protonmail.com>
Reply-To: <thomasvanessath@protonmail.com>
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2021 23:33:53 +0800
Subject: Ref: Urgent Request on Funds Release.

Ref: Urgent Request on Funds Release.
 
Sir/Madam,
 
This is to inform you that your long outstanding funds has been recovered by the USA Private Sector and it's officially approved and ready for payment to you the bonafide beneficiary.
 
As soon as I get your reply,I shall immediately authorize the holding bank (European Central Bank Germany) to make the payment to any of your indicate preferred destination account.
Congratulations and anticipating hearing from you.
Thank you!
 
Best regards,
Mrs. Vanessa Thomas
Head Online Management.
USA Private Sector

Anti-fraud resources: