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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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)
- "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
- 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: "Dr. Robert Williams" <goodword81@yahoo.com.ph>
Reply-To: mr.fredericos@live.com
Date: Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:09:37 +0800 (SGT)
Subject: Dear Friend
Dear Friend
How are you doing, I am very happy to inform you about my success in getting that fund transferred? Now I want you to contact my secretary Mr. Frederic Oscar on the information below and receive your compensation of USD$1.5 Million Dollars from him:
contact my secretary Mr. Frederic Oscar
Email :(mr.fredericos@live.com)
Telephone: :+229 967 310 25
Send him the following information to prove your self to him:
Your full name;...........
Your country:..............
Your address:..............
Your phone number:.........
Your occupation:...........
Your age:..................
Note that if you did not send him the above information complete he will not release the Check to you because he has to be very sure before he will release the Certified Bank Draft to you.
Note also that I will not be reached by email or phone for now because I am currently away for investment and I will be busy till about six or seven months time.
Remember the only person I asked you to contact is Mr. Frederic Oscar Email :(mr.fredericos@live.com)
I wish you success
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Robert Williams
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