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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 message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: DEBT SETTLEMENT COMMITTEE OFFICE <johnwilliams72@rediffmail.com>
Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:39:45 -0300
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS
Attention Beneficiary,
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Happy and prosperous new year 2011 to you. Following the resolution of the close door meeting held today. I was directed to inform you that your Long Awaited fund Payment of USD$6 Million only have been finally vetted and approved for immediate payment to you under 48hours. Note that Nigeria government have deem it necessary to offset all outstanding international debt in other to maintain the battered reputable image of our nascent democratic government.
You are hereby advice now to Re-confirm the below information as soon as you receive this massive today.
1.Your Names and Address,-----------------
2.Cell Phone Numbers/Fax,--------------------
3.Occupation and age ---------------------
4.Your next of kin name-----------------
Upon the receipt of the above information your fund will be paid to you under 48hours without further delay.We are sincerely sorry for the long delay in making your payment to you.
IT'S IMPORTANT YOU REPLY QUICK FOR MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR FUND.
Accept our warmth Congratulations in advance !!!
Please Treat as a matter of utmost urgency.
Thanks.
Yours Sincerely,
Mr.John Williams
Chairman Investigation & Debt settlement Committee.
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Anti-fraud resources:
