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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:
- "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "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)
- "can i completely trust you?" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "your humble assistance" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a orphan scam.
Fraud email example:
From: Rose kouakou <diana3roberts@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: rosek01@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2014 13:53:44 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Dearest Beloved one,
I am happy to request for your assistance and also to go into business
partnership with you, I believe that you will not betrayed my trust which
I am going to lay on you.
I am Rosemary Kouakou, 21 years old and the daughter of my late parents Mr.and
Mrs Halowi Kouakou. My father was a highly reputable business market (Cafe
and Cocoa merchant) who operated in the capital of Ivory Coast during his
days. It is sad to say that he passed away mysteriously in Europe during
one of his business trips abroad. Though his sudden death was linked or
rather suspected to have been masterminded by an uncle of his who
travelled with him at that time.My mother died when I was just 6 years
old, and since then my father took me so special. Before his death my
father will to me the sum of eight million six hundred thousand United
State Dollars ($ 8.600 000) left in a security company Here in Ivory Coast.
I am just 21 years old and a university undergraduate and really don't
know what to do. This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a
result of incessant political crisis here in Ivory coast. The problem of
my father actually brought sorrow to my life. Dear, I am in a sincere
desire of your humble assistance in this regards to move the money to your
country for investment.
Now permit me to ask these few questions:
1. Can I completely trust you? 2. What percentage of the total amount in
question will be good for you?
Consider this and get back to me as soon as possible.
Thank you so much. Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded.My
sincere regards,
Miss Rosemary.
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