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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 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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mrs. Alphonse Casambre" <cjhdsdfd5656gf@gmail.com>
Reply-To: jsp6383@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:11:21 -0700
Subject: Urgent Assistance.
It's Mrs. Alphonse Casambre.
I pledge my undying allegiance to charity since 2 years ago, for the
good work of humanity. I am now 74 years old looking too weak and
fragile to do things myself because I was diagnosed for cancer about
5years ago. I have decided to Will/donate what I have inherited from
my late husband to charity through you, rather than allowing my
relatives to use my husbands hard earned funds inappropriately. I have
wholeheartedly trusted in your good honesty in the belief that you
have a soul of discretion.
I maintained a life assurance policy which amounts to the sum of Fifty
Million United States Dollars here in London UK. You may be wondering
why I chose you and were about my family or grand children? It is a
sad story to tell, but someone has to continue with the good work of
the Lord. I have asked the Lord to forgive me all my sins and I
believe he has, because he's merciful.
I have survived there (3) surgical operation and still the pain wont
go. I'm been restricted by my doctor from taking telephone calls
because my condition appears to be getting worst. I know I have never
met you but my mind tells me in confident that you're a nice person
and willing to respect my wishes. Well, I will appreciate you forward
me your details to enable my lawyer proceed with the notarization of
the funds as a matter of urgency.
Love, From
It's Mrs. Alphonse Casambre
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Anti-fraud resources:
