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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:
- "urgent business proposition" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Reagan Mathews" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <Reagan-Mathews@gmx.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2012 01:42:01 -0700
Subject: DID YOU RECEIVE MY FIRST EMAIL
I apologize for getting in touch with you in this unsolicited manner but I do have an urgent business proposition that I would like to discuss with you. I have access to certain funds that needs to be moved out of Africa immediately. I am looking to partner with somebody to assist me in this. Please note that it is not illegal in any way nor will either of us be breaking any laws. I am willing to handsomely compensate you for your assistance. In case you are willing to assist in the project.
Regards,
Reagan Mathews
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Anti-fraud resources:
