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joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
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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:
- This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "diplomatic agent" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "charles c. soludo" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "executive governor" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Prof. Charles Soludo" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <charles_bk1@yahoo.com.cn>
Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 17:50:41 +0100
Subject: Thank You......
Attention.
I am Prof .Charles C. Soludo, The Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
I decided to contact you because of the prevailing security report reaching my office and
the intense nature of polity in Nigeria.
This is to inform you about our plan to send your fund to you via cash
delivery. This system will be easier for you and for us. We are going to
send your contract part payment of US$10. Million to you via courier
service.
The money is coming on 2 security proof boxes. The boxes are sealed with
synthetic nylon and padded with machine. This fund was brought to us from
America; it was meant for our Local AFEM
The boxes are coming with a Diplomatic agent who will accompany the boxes
to your house address.
All you need to do is to send your contact information and identification
either your International passport or driver’s license including your
contact phone numbers, The Diplomatic attached will travel with it. He
will call you immediately he arrive your country's airport.
I will let you know when the boxes will be airlifted, Note: The diplomatic does not know the original contents of the
boxes. What l declared to them as the contents is Sensitive Photographic
Film Material.
If eventually you are asked tell them is Sensitive Photographic Film
Material,. Please respond as soon as you receive this email to enable us
to commence the process for the delivery, the boxes are schedule to leave
as soon as we hear from you. Call me immediately you receive this message.
Best Regards,
Prof. Charles C. Soludo
Executive Governor (CBN)
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