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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:
- 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)
- ",000,000" (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)
- "await your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "top secret" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
- "liberia" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
- +447010065148 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr.Benny Dixon" <bennydixon1960@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:42:20 +0200
Subject: URGENT REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
Re. Our BUSINESS TRANSACTION!!
Minerva House Third Floor London,
SE1 9DH United Kingdom
+447010065148
This letter might also come to you as a surprise but it is coming with
the best of intentions and will be of mutual benefit to all the
parties involved.
I am Benny Dixon the chief security officer to the former LIBERIAN
PRESIDENT CHARLES TAYLOR here after referred to as my client I am
writing to solicit your assistance to secure funds that are already in
the ASIA Bank (INDIA).
The fund in question is a total of $15,000,000 (Fifteen Million United
States Dollars) Currently with the Asia bank on a fixed deposit that
is due for claim and transfer to the appointed beneficiary.
I am looking For your assistance in getting the money out from the
India bank and securing the funds to your own bank as the bank have
notified me to provide them with a beneficiary, I cannot be physical
to some certain issues and business presently because of my present
political status and for some security reasons, The 30% of the total
fund will be your own share. NOTE: There is no risk involved in this
project because I am involved as my Client confidant. Please you
should keep this transaction a top secret as we are prepared to do
more business with you pending your approach towards this project. If
you want to do this with us kindly write me back. I await your urgent
response. Thanks.
Keep in touch at my private email : bennydixon111@gamil.com
Mr. Benny Dixon
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