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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:
- "money gram" (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. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Diplomatic Envoy Henry Azuka" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <diplomathenryazuka@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2015 22:22:35 +0800
Subject: Re: Receive Your Package On Wednesday To Fulfill All Righteousness
I have concluded arrangements for your funds ($7.5M) to be released to you on Wednesday 5th of August.
There has been an order from above to release all the packages that are being held after the beneficiary of the package comply with the instructions that will facilitate the delivery of the package.
I have requested for a Waiver Certificate from our Sub Consulate and the cost of the Waiver Certificate is $69 only.
This Certificate will empower me to deliver the funds to you.
The Waiver Certificate is $69 and you have to pay the fee via MONEY GRAM only in the name stated below:
RECEIVERS NAME: DAVID UFOMA
ADDRESS: 20 AROWOJOBE STREET, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
TEXT QUESTION: LAST
ANSWER: CHANCE
The following information should be sent for confirmation of payment after the payment is made.
1) Sender's Name and Full Address Address
2) Payout Amount As Stated In The Payment Receipt
3) Reference Number
4) The name of the closest Airport to your city of residence
5) Direct Telephone Numbers that you can be reached
As soon as the fee is paid, the Waiver Certificate will be obtained and your long awaited package will be delivered successfully.
I am doing this because I want you to receive your funds in other to assist your family.
Do not disappoint me by failing to pay for the Waiver Certificate.
Henry Azuka
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Anti-fraud resources: