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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:
- "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)
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "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. )
- 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.
- +447024058868 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- tomlambertt@aol.com (AOL; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Irene Collen" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <tomlambertt@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2010 22:32:27 -1200
Subject: $$ E-Millionaire Award 2010 $$
E-millionaire Award Promo 2010
Winning Number 1153243UN
This email message is simply to inform you that you have been selected as a
winner in our yearly award promo organized by the Emillionaire. You have been
awarded
the sum of US$300,000.00. Winners emails were extracted from various websites
visited over the internet after which a random selection was made. We are happy
to say that your email emerged as one of our eight lucky winners.
Immediately establish your claim by furnishing us with your details:
Full Name:
Home Address:
Age:
Sex:
Nationality:
Telephone/Fax Numbers:
Occupation:
Forward the above requested details to your cashier Mr. Tom Lambert via his
email: tomlambertt@aol.com
You will receive your payment in form of cheque (International Certified).
Note that US$175 (APX Courier charges) is the ONLY amount you have to pay to
receive your prize.APX Courier company (www.apx-air-courier.com) is in-charge of shipping your
cheque to you.
Congratulations!!!
Sincerely,
Irene Collen
+(27)787310461 (R.S.A)
+(44)7024058868 (U.K)
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Anti-fraud resources:
