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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:
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +22993170172 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
- 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.
- eco_intbank1@bk.ru (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: pastorchrisbeto@sify.com
Date: Sat, 07 Jun 2008 08:21:01 +0000
Subject: Goodday my good friend.
Goodday my good friend.
How are you today? Hope all is well with you and your family? I am
using this opportunity to inform you that this multi-million-dollar
business has been concluded with the assistance of another partner
from Chile who financed the transaction to a logical conclusion. Due
to your effort,sincerity,courage and trust worthiness You showed
during the course of the transaction. I have left a certified Bank
Draft. for you worth of $1,100, 000.00 cashable anywhere in the world.
Contact: Dr Ahmed Zuma Zoba.
Head Telex/Foreign Transfer Dept,
Ecobank International,
Cotonou, Benin Republic,
Tel: +229-93170172.
email address: eco_intbank1@bk.ru
Therefore, you should send him yourfull Name and telephone number/your
correct mailing address where you want him to send the draft to you,
or your account information for depositing the Bank Draft. Thanks and
God bless you and your family. Hoping to hear from youassoon as you
cash your Bank Draft.
Barrister (Pastor).Chris Beto
Anti-fraud resources:
