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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 us 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)
- "lome togo" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: Felix Njoku <ad.b.togo01@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 2013 08:08:04 +0000
Subject: Hello my dearest Friend.
Hello my dearest Friend.
I am Felix Njoku, From Lome Togo in west Africa. Please do not be
embarrass am seeking your help in order to receive the sum of
$25.5million US dollars as result of chance. If you will be so kind enough to
grant me the permission, I will be glad to give the details. I am
ready to offer you 45% of the total amount for your input.
If you are interested response to me
Mobile: +22897172973,
Regards
Felix Njoku.
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Anti-fraud resources:
