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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. Maria C. Madigas" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <info@legaifirm.com>
Date: Sat, 7 May 2022 01:07:57 -0700
Subject: Urgent Assistance

Dear Sir/ Madam
My name is Mrs. Maria Madigas; I work with the Audit department in a bank here in my country. I need your partnership in a funds transfer process involving an unclaimed deposit USD$87,000,000,.00 All efforts to trace any living relative of the deceased customer did not yield any positive result. I can use my office to present you as next of kin to the deceased and have the funds transferred for our mutual benefit. There are no risks whatsoever attached. I will personally oversee the process of the transfer of funds from the bank to your account.
My proposition is to seek your consent to present you as the next-of-kin or heir of the funds. Hence, you have relating information with my late client, the proceeds of this account can possibly be paid to you, thereafter, and we could share the amount 50/50. All legal documents to back up your claim as my late client's next of kin will be gradually provided.
All I require is your honest and sincere co-operation to see this transaction through. This will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will secure you and me from any breach of law. If this business proposition offends your moral values, please do accept my apology. I must use this occasion to implore you to exercise the utmost indulgence to keep this matter absolute secrecy whatever your decision, while I await your prompt response. Please contact me at once to indicate your interest and more details shall be provided.
Note: This transaction will be treated personal with absolute discretion and sincerity. Meanwhile, the transaction is a secret and confidential deal between both of us as third parties must not be involved for a successful and perfect completion and if you are not interested after reading this message please delete and do not respond back.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation:
Mrs. Maria C. Madigas

Anti-fraud resources: