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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dearest one," (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- ",500,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "beylihubert01@cantv.net" <beylihubert01@cantv.net>
Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:38:40 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: RE: INQUIRY.
Dearest One,
My name is Beylie Hubert the Son of Late Beyli Tape Doh of Republic of Cote D `Ivoire. I am 21 years old. I was the only child of my parents having lost my Mother after She gave birth to me.
I am contacting you to assist me for the transfer and investment of US$ 9,500,000.00 I inherited from my Late Father who was assassinated by Rebels during the political crisis in my country Cote D `Ivoire into your account for investment under your management and control there in your country in any lucrative business establishment you will suggest.
I will compensate you with a good percentage of the money which is negotiable on receipt of your positive response.
Contact me for more details and explanation.
Yours Respectfully,
Beylie HUBERT.
TELEPHONE: +22548554661
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Anti-fraud resources: