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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "million 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)
- 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.
- mbbadavid@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "mbad1@libero.it" <mbad1@libero.it>
Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2013 09:20:05 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: My name is David Mbasogo from Euqatoria Guinea.I need your help and
comittmment in the Handling of the sum of $25 Million Dollars.
Due to the unfortunate Crisis that led to the death of my Father in my Country
(Guinea)I have decided to transfer a total amount of $25 million Dollars the
money that was deposited in my name by my father before his death. If you are
interested and willing to be of assistance and support, then contact me back
for more details through:( mbbadavid@gmail.com).
I will give you more details when I get your reply as I am Refugee in the
Netherlands now,
Sincerely,
Mr.David Nguema Mbasogo.
PLEASE SEND REPLY MESSAGE TO THE EMAIL: (mbbadavid@gmail.com)
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Anti-fraud resources:
