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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:
- "the consignment" (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)
- "consignment " (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)
- "hundred thousand united states 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)
- "contact me immediately" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Mrs Carlson <mrscarlson00@despeeple.com>
Date: Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:28:56 -0800 (PST)
Subject: From Ms. Joy Carlson.
>From Ms. Joy Carlson.
Dear,
I am introducing my self as Miss. Joy Carlson, the only
Daughter of late Chief and Mrs Ruth Carlson I wish to request
for your assistance in a financial transaction. I got your contact from a
member of this your site, And I wish to invest in Manufacturing and
real estate management in your country. Or any lucrative business you know more better
I have Seven million Five hundred thousand united states
dollars. USD ($7.500,000) to invest in your country, and I will require your
assistance in receiving the consignment in your country for investment purpose.
I will be gladly to give you 10% out of the total sum for your
assistance. Please it is very important you contact me immediately
for further explanation on how we will
proceed. waiting your immediate response
Thanks and God bless.
Best Regards
Miss.Joy Carlson.
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Anti-fraud resources: