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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "hundred thousand united state dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- gtowson80@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: George Towson <gtowson80@yahoo.com> (may be fake)
Date: Sat, 13 Aug 2011 02:59:40 +0800
Subject: Urgent Attention
I am Mr. George Towson, GBS, JP Chairman of the Hong Kong and
Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.i have a business proposal of Twenty
Two million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars only for you to
transact with me from my bank to your country.
All confirmable documents to back up the claims will be made available to
you prior to your acceptance and as soon as I receive your return mail
Via my email address:gtowson80@yahoo.com and I will let you know
whatis required of you.Your earliest response to this letter will be
appreciated.
Best Regards,
Mr. George Towson
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Anti-fraud resources:
