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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:
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million united states 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- smithnelson777@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Smith Nelson <smithnelson002@gmail.com>
Reply-To: smithnelson777@gmail.com
Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2011 06:59:49 -0800 (PST)
Subject: From Mr Smith Nelson
Dear Sir,
Permit me to bring a matter of utmost importance to your observation with hope we can find a common ground of understanding for a mutually
beneficial project.
My name is Mr Smith Nelson, I work with ABSA Bank of South Africa and in need of a reliable and dedicated foreign partner who can take the place of a deceased customer whose investment funds could be taken over by my Country, The Goverment of South Africa very soon if no one comes up to claim it.
You may need to know the source of funds and to whom it originally belonged. The funds in question valued at USD10M (Ten Million United States Dollars Only) belongs to a once very active German customer of this bank who ran a private business account with us for over a period of Eight years before his death in July of 2000. His name was Kurt Kahle. He died along with his wife and son Michael in the ill-fated concord plane crash of July 2000.
I will like you to check the reported deaths on this website to assure your confidence;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/859479.stm
All you need do is to assure me of your cooperation so that we start the ground work for the successful transfer of the funds into your local
account for ourselves instead of the State taking over the money.
Your partnership is invaluable, as it is impossible to get out this funds without a foreigner like you. You shall be presented as the chosen
beneficiary with back up evidence from us.Please do respond only through my telephone +27 78-623-9355 . Email: smithnelson777@gmail.com
I hope to do business with you.
Thanks while i look forward to your positive Response
Smith Nelson
Telephone +27 78-623-9355
E-mail:smithnelson777@gmail.com
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