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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:
- "clearance document" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "headquater" (this email uses bad English)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned 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: "Rev Emmanuel Owolabi Rt" <directorreviewpayment@nnpc.org>
Reply-To: directorreviewnnpc2009@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:08:43 +0600 (BDT)
Subject: Re;Be Informed--(About Your Contract/Inheritance Debt)
Nigeria National Petroluem Coperation
Federal Republic Of Nigeria
Abuja Headquaters
(About Your Contract/Inheritance Debt)
Peace be to you and family,I am Rt Rev Emmanuel .O. Owolabi appointed
Director For Contract Review Payment Nigeria National Petroluem
Coperation[NNPC]. what are you waiting to receive your
contract/inheritance funds which has been long over dued?.I have sent you
several mail no response as i will soon return back to my Catholic church
parish upon clearing all outstanding debt payment by Nigeria Government to
beneficiaried/inheritance/contractors as appointed by Head Of State.
Am under appointment by President head of State and Commander in Chief Of
Armed Forces Federal Republic Of Nigeria Dr Goodluck E Jonathan GCFR.
After going through the records in our office and founded out that you
have not been paid your over dued payment which you have waited for long
now,Am contacting you to do this favour to you based on my position if
you will accept to follow my advise by reconfirming your mailing
address,direct phone number to ascertain what is in record.
Your payment will be released by a 'CERTIFIED MASTER/VISA CARD that will
be deliver to you within 4 working days as instructed by Head of State No
wire Transfer.I have cited your file because we just reviewed your file in
our department all legal clearance documents will be released along with
the card.
You are to choose the courier service you like DHL UPS FEDEX Couriers
immediately as the delivery is free of charge.Upon your response your card
will be out and ready.
Find Attached My Official I.D Card.God Bless You
Regards.
Yours Truly,
Rev Emmanuel Owolabi Rt
234-70-283-983-62
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