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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 fake company names, fake addresses, non-existent institutions/documents or other details have appeared in scams before:
- "uk national lottery" (can only win this lottery if you bought a ticket)
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "cashiers check" (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.
- 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.
- peterjohnson101@safe-mail.net (Safe-mail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "MRS.LISA EDWARD" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <peterjohnson102@Safe-mail.net>
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:36:03 +0200
Subject: FEDEX COURIER COMPANY (WEST AFRICA)
United Nations Assisted Program
Directorate of International Payment
United Nations Liaison Office - Africa.
Attention:
This email is to notify you about the release of your (compensation) outstanding payment which is truly $2.8 million. The Federal Government scheduled a time frame to settle all foreign debts which includes Contract/Inheritance/Gambling/ Lottery (Sponsored by Microsoft and UK National Lottery) and other international loans. News had it that over the past, numerous individual(s) who happen to be impostors (claiming to be individuals, banks and organizations) are claiming to release numerous sums of fund via numerous ways.
You have three options to receive your payment which is either a Pin Based ATM card, Certified Cashiers Check or wire transfer. You are advised to select one out of the three options on how you wish to receive your $2.8 million. Your ATM card or Check/Bank Draft will be shipped via FedEx Shipping Company and would get to you within 2 to 3 working days at most.
DO NOT SEND MONEY TO ANYONE UNTIL YOU READ THIS:
The actual fees for shipping your ATM card is $280 but because FedEx have temporarily discontinued the C.O.D which gives you the chance to pay when package is delivered for international shipping as stated on their
Website: http://fedex.com/us/international/irc/profiles/irc_ng_profile.html?gtmcc=us# C10
We had to sign contract with them for bulk shipping which makes the fees reduce from the actual $280 to $250. Nothing more and no hidden fees of any sort! You are advised to contact the dispatch officer responsible for the shipping of your Check or ATM card with the following information for shipping of your payment Check or ATM card.
Contact:-
Dispatch Officer: MR.PETER JOHNSON
Bank: FedEx Courier Service West Africa
Email:peterjohnson101@Safe-mail.net
And provide her with the following information:
Your full Name...............
Your Address.................
Contact Home/Cell Phone..................
Age..............................
Preferred Payment Method (Bank Draft , ATM or Wire Transfer)...........
The dispatch officer will provide you with instructions on how you are to make payment of the $250 only for the shipping of your ATM card or Cashiers Check.
Remember that you are not paying any fees extra no matter what. Once again note that the actual FedEx Retail Price: $280 Your Price (Because of our contract signed): $250. ($30.00 Savings!).Which means the total sum which must be paid before shipment either your Bank Draft or Atm Card is $250 Only Thanks.
Respectfully,
Mrs, Lisa Edward.
UN Envoy (Afrian Region)
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Anti-fraud resources:
