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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:
- "million 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)
- ",000,000" (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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "i will advice you " (this email uses bad English)
- "inland revenue" (Tax offices mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. Even after you pay their fake tax demands you will still not receive the non-existent funds you have been promised. )
- "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "james@auditores.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
Fraud email example:
From: "James Steven" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <james@auditores.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:47:55 -0400
Subject: CONFIDENTIAL NOTICE: REPLY IMMEDIATELY
I am James Steven, an auditor working with the Central Bank of Nigeria. I resumed office recently and eventually came across some files which was marked X and the files includes your name as one of the beneficary who are yet to recieve their payment.
I decided to make findings on what resulted to the delay in remitting your fund and it was discovered that each beneficiary has been mandated to procure the "Payment Clearance/Notorization Certificate" from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). I have gathered all protocols to ensure this certificate is issued from the FIRS and if you will strictly follow my instructions, your acrued sum which is now sum up to $2,000,000 (Two Million United State Dollars).
To enable me facilitate the necessary procedures, I will advice you contact me immediately through my details as stated below;
James Steven (Esq.)
Email: james@auditores.com
Tel: +23470-6651-3344
Endeavour to send me the following information to enable me file you up and acquaint you with necessary details to expedite the release of your money.
1. Full Name:................................
2. Full Address:.............................
3. Marital Statue:...........................
4. Occupation:...............................
5. Nationality:..............................
I will wait to read from you as soon as you get this mail and do give me a call through my direct mobile +23470-6651-3344
Regards,
James Steven.
Tel: +23470-6651-3344
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