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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:
- "cheque " (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. )
- "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. )
- "usfedex@secretarias.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- "usfedex@secretarias.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: "© Federal Express Corporation" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <usfedex@secretarias.com>
Date: Thu, 20 May 2010 11:40:58 +0100
Subject: International Certified Bank Draft cheque of $1.3Million USD
(Federal Express corporation) Global Shipping , Logistic Management and Supply Chain Management)
Customer Service!
This mail is to remind you of your registered package. CONTENT:International Certified Bank Draft cheque of $1.3Million USD registered by an Official of the United Nation. Reg.# R-226754449001400 The Fund is a donation to you from the U.N wealth distribution program through e-mails balloting in affiliation with commonwealth. For your information the VAT and Delivery Fee has been paid. The only payment you are to make is for safe keeping fee clearing Form of $136.00USD
Contact FedEx Delivery Department Mr. Richard Venn for shipment
Details, and payment instruction. Email: usfedex@secretarias.com
Tel: +234 819 148 8770.
Call Mr. Richard Venn as soon as you send him your details.
Note: All charges are to be paid within few Hours of this mail to enhance urgent service On delivery.You are to reconfirm your Postal address and telephone number for urgent service:
Full Name:................
Address:.................. FedEx Do not Deliver P.O.Box
City:.................
Phone:.....................
Country:....................
Endeavor to send the above information to the Delivery Department Mr. Richard Venn for shipment Details, and ask him to send you the payment instruction for the $136. Email: usfedex@secretarias.com
Yours Faithfully,
Mrs. Clara George
©Federal Express Corporation
All rights reserved. © 1995-2010 FedEx.
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