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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: "International Monetary Fund" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <dscolder4@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2024 03:42:30 -0800
Subject: Re: Fund Crediting

 
Dear Beneficiary,
 
I am Mr. Andrew Walters, a representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), writing to inform you about the resolution of issues hindering the release of your long-overdue payment. We have received numerous complaints about the challenges you faced with banks and courier companies.
 
To address this, the IMF has taken direct control of your payment. I have been assigned to handle your transaction in America and ensure a smooth release of your funds.
 
Please disregard any communication from other entities claiming to handle your payment. Certain individuals and institutions have been identified as hindrances to your fund release, and we are taking legal action against them. If you recognize any names from the list below, kindly inform us for appropriate action:
 
Prof. Charles Soludo (CBN)
Senator David Mark
Chief Lamido Sanusi (CBN)
John Rob (Barclays Bank Plc)
Mrs. Stella Brown (Barclays Bank Plc)
Ronald Franklin
Barrister Ucheuzo Williams
Mr. Ernest Chukwudi Obi
Mr. Mike Jombo
Mr. Tunde Lemo
Mrs. W. D. A. Mshelia
Mrs. Okonjo Iweala
Mrs. Rita Ekwesili
 
Please respond to this email promptly with the required information for the release of your funds:
 
Full Name:
Address:
Nationality:
Age/Date of Birth:
Occupation:
Phone (Mobile/Cellular):
State of Origin:
Copy of your identity card
 
Avoid remitting further payments to any institution, as your funds will be transferred directly from our source. Any action contrary to this instruction is at your own risk.
For immediate assistance, contact me at dscolder4@gmail.com
 
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Andrew Walters
International
Monetary Fund (IMF)

Anti-fraud resources: