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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:
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "sunitedcourier@yahoo.cn" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mrs. Margaret Osawe" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <sunitedcourier@yahoo.cn>
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 18:12:31 -0700
Subject: (United Courier service) Global Shipping
(United Courier service) Global Shipping
Logistic Management and
Supply Chain Management
Customer Service!
This mail is to remind you of your registered package. CONTENT: Bank Draft of USD$ 2.3 Million registered by an Official of the United Nation. Reg.# R-22675-212
The Fund is a donation to you from the U.N wealth distribution program through e-mails balloting in affiliation with commonwealth.For your information the VAT and COD have been paid. The only payment you are to make is for customs clearing Form of USD$253
Contact United Courier Delivery Department Mr. Christopher Perry for shipment Details, and payment instruction.
Email: sunitedcourier@yahoo.cn
Note: All charges are to be paid within few Hours of this mail to enhance urgent service On delivery. You are to reconfirm your Postal address and telephone number for urgent service:
Full Name:
Address:
City:
Postal Address:
Phone Number(s):
Country:
Call Mr. Christopher Perry immediately you send him your details and ask him for the payment instruction and also your shipment details(Tracking)
Yours Faithfully,
Mrs. Margaret Osawe
©United Courier Delivery service
All rights reserved. © 1995-2013UCS.
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Anti-fraud resources:
