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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:
- "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)
- "million 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)
- "very confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- "can i trust you?" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "is 100% risk free" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
- "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: ANDY MAYNARD <andy.maynard1@btinternet.com>
Reply-To: andymaynard2010@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:48:18 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: URGENT RESPONSE NEEDED
Hello,
I am Colonel Andy T W Maynard, a British soldier attached to the Coalition force in Afghanistan ; I am the Commanding Officer Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines.
What I am about to share with you is very confidential. We intercepted a suspected Taliban group in Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province with some cargoes. The gun battle that ensured led to the death of some while others abandoned their cargo and took to their heals.
On a closer examination of the cargos a special consignment containing US$10 Million Dollars in cash was discovered by one of my special agents who took me into confidence. I had considered his prayers for the use of this money for charity and the options available for me as the commander of this regiment. In the heat of the moment, such humane decisions cannot easily be taken hence I have decided to secure this money outside of here and with
a distant fellow until I shall have the privilege to be relived of my duty.
Therefore, I solicit your assistance to help me receive this money and secure this money in an investment until we are through with our service here then I can come to your country.
I have perfected arrangements to ship this money out in two large metallic
Boxes to you using Diplomatic courier.
We are willing to give you 30% while you will keep the remaining in an investment for us until after our assignment here. Can I trust you? If you are interested send to me via this email your confidential Telephone/fax numbers, your contact details for quick communication. This exchange is 100% risk free.
Regards,
Andy T W Maynard
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