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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:
- "dear friend" (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.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- financialbk@kimo.com (Kimo; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Sharon Smith <s.smith2004@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2012 05:20:41 +0800 (SGT)
Subject: Fund Compensation.
Dear friend,
This is to bring to your notice that I am a delegate from the United Nations to the IMF (International Monetary Fund) With the Benin Republic GOv. And also the FINANCIAL-BANK of Benin Office to pay just (6 SCAM vICTIMS $700,000 USD each).
You are listed and approved for this payment You are to Cotact Financial-Bank Office as soon as possible for the immediate payments of your $700,000 USD. With Your full details.
Contact:
Financial-Bank Benin Republic 24/7
Phone Number:+22999221908
Email: financialbk@kimo.com
Your full Name:_________
Your Address:________
Country:____________
Home/Cell Phone:_____
Preferred Payment Method (Bank-Transfer)
SINCERELY.
Financial BANK Benin Republic
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Anti-fraud resources:
