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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 sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- "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.
- 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.
- alimfath50@yahoo.co.jp (Yahoo, Japan; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "ALIM FATH" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <alimfath50@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2012 06:03:46 -0800
Subject: YOUR OPINION
Dear sir/madam
With trust and confidence that i write to make this
urgent business proposal to you. My name Is ALIM FATH A public figure in my country ,But Am
presently in Emirate for safety and also seeking for a
reliable and trust-worthy fellow from any foreign
country to assist me in investing in any of lucrative
venture i made a deal which involve very fats sum of
money when i was in government in my country when
crisis broke up some of my properties and my fund
was seized i have to relocate to the Emirate, This said
funds was deposited with one of the Banking vault
Department for safety and investment Purpose
confidentially one of the said fund is {Fifteen million
United States dollars,($15 Million)my area of interest
of investment is Real Estate or hospitality ,oil and gas
or if you have other idea of any lucrative business that
we can invest into in your country you can also advice
me as we are partner. please get back to me
(alimfath50@yahoo.co.jp) as I was strictly informed
that a foreigner cannot operate a bank account that
will carry such an amount and direct foreigner
investment is not allowed in some country except on a
joint venture. So I want you to assist me so that we can
move this fund to your Country and 35% percent will
be offered to you for the transaction I am eagerly
waiting for your reply.
Regards,
ALIM FATH
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