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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:
- "million 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.
Fraud email example:
From: " Dr. Raymond Obieri" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <raymond.ibplc@skymail.mn>
Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2011 01:04:42 -0700
Subject: REF: OVERDUE PAYMENT OF US$10.5 MILLION DOLLARS
ATTENTION: Distinguished Beneficiary,
REF: OVERDUE PAYMENT OF US$10.5 MILLION DOLLARS
The Intercontinental Bank International hereby confirm to you that your payment has been officially cancelled via an Electronic Master Smart Card and reprogrammed to be paid to you by our corresponding bank the Lloyds Bank London UK via Telegraphic Transfer. You are not advised to make any payment to receive your fund until the Lloyds Bank London have your fund credited into your account via Telegraphic Transfer. Bear in mind that all the obligations you owe will be paid before you will have access to your fund. Your bank will confirm your money in your account but you will not have access to withdraw your fund until you have all the obligation you owe paid to the Intercontinental Bank International here in Nigeria.
In this regard, you are expected to have your account details sent to this financial institution to enable us update our corresponding bank the Lloyds Bank London UK to enable them have your fund credited into your account without any further delay. Make sure that your account information is accurate such as the Swift Code, Account number, Account Name and Routine Number to avoid having your payment credited wrongly as it is going to be made via Electronic Transfer Method. Note. Your Smart card has been cancelled and declared invalid for your information. The Intercontinental bank International anticipates hearing from you for further instructions for your own good while we congratulate you in advance. We are sorry for all the delays and promise to serve you better by you receiving your fund in your possession.
Regards,
Dr. Raymond Obieri
(Chairman)
Intercontinental Bank Plc
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Anti-fraud resources:
