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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:
- "please indicate your interest" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Sarah Smith <andrzej.trojanowsk@neostrada.pl>
Reply-To: sarahsmith.smith77@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:08:20 +0800
Subject: Investment?
Attention:
My name is Sarah Smith from England. I live in Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London England. I am pleased to write you as I truly need your guidance in an investment scheme in your country. I found your email during my investment research so I contacted you on this vital issue because you are a person of importance in your country and I would value your guidance and friendship. I have decided to establish a partnership contact with you for project assistance in your country as soon as we conclude arrangements. Below are some of the few basic things I would like you to assist me in later;
1) Company registration.
2) Your assistance to carry out feasibility studies on lucrative areas/choice of investment that will benefit us.
3) How much capital will be sufficient?
4) Security of the investment and continuity.
I shall make prompt arrangements for the estimated cost of capital as soon as I read from you and we have established firm communication lines. Could you please indicate your interest in my proposal by responding and giving me your private number so that I may call you for further discussions and ascertaining our communication?
Thanks for your anticipated honesty.
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Smith
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Anti-fraud resources:
