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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. M Khaidova <dir@i9help.com.br>
Date:
Subject:

Hello Friend,

We are unfamiliar with each other but it takes a day for people
to know.I would like to present this profitable business deal to
you and please take this seriously. I am presenting this deal to
you because you are very important to this deal as you will find
out. I am a senior account manager with CITIBANK, UK. I have
worked here for a little more than 12 years now and I was the
personal accountant to one of our late customers, a foreign
contractor with Royal Dutch plc who has an investment account
with my bank. Unfortunately, he died along with his nuclear
family in France while on sabbatical in the summer of 2012, may
their soul rest in peace. He died without leaving a will. Several
efforts were made to find his extended family through your
embassy without success. I received a notice last week to provide
the next of kin because i am his accountant or the account will
be closed in 14 days time. I am contacting you to apply for the
money left behind because you have the same last name as my
client.

This will be done legally respecting UK laws and success is
guaranteed if we cooperate on this. The bank will release the
account to you because of your last name and my recommendation of
you as the next of kin. I am a very religious person and I cannot
lie; I expect the same from you. I will forward my International
passport so you know me in details, when I get your response. The
amount involved is 9,649,400 Pounds; I propose we share the
proceeds 50:50, I think this is fair. I will give you all the
necessary information about the deal when I get your response. I
anticipate your cooperation. Treat this proposal with utmost
confidentiality and urgency for a 100% success

Regards,
Mayya Khaidova

Anti-fraud resources: