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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:
- "hundred thousand united state 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)
- "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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "international remittance department" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "beneficiaries@gmx.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: "Mr. Harris Conklin" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <beneficiaries@gmx.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:16:46 +0100
Subject: Your Ref: SNT/ATM/822
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE
FOR THE COORDINATION OF
HUMANITARIAN AFFAIR.
Our Ref: FGN/SNT/RAL
Your Ref: SNT/ATM/822
Attn:
Inline with the United Nations millenium development goal to eradicate
poverty and hunger by the year 2015 i am directed to inform you that your
payment verification and confirmations is completed, Therefore we are
happy to inform you that arrangements have been concluded to effect your
payment as soon as possible in our bid for transparency.
It is my pleasure to inform you that ATM Card Number: 5428050011004432
have been approved in your favor, The ATM Card Value is $500,000.00 USD
(FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATE DOLLARS).
You are advised that a maximum withdrawal value of $5,000.00 USD is
permitted on withdrawal per day and are duly Inter Switch so you can make
withdrawal at any location and ATM Center of your choice.
We have concluded delivery arrangement with the ups courier services.
Please note that the UPS Courier Company is fully insured by Nicon
Insurance Corporation.
Kindly be inform that you are to provide a delivery fee of $95.00 USD for
the effective delivery of your package to you as the delivery charges and
please also be informed that the delivery will be made to your address in
48 hours (2 days) after the confirmation of your payment for delivery, as
you know the delivery fee receipt will be attach on your payment delivery
documents to avoid being delayed by customs.
Kindly provide the details below for delivery.
1. Valid delivery address
2. Name
3. Phone Number
4. Occupation
Treat urgently and note that your ATM Card is ready and available for
dispatch to you.
Regards,
Mr. Harris Conklin
HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT FOR UNITED NATIONS
beneficiaries@gmx.com
Tel: +234 8090 819 795
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Anti-fraud resources:
