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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 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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Abdo Hussameddin" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <stanworld07@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 02:18:48 -0400
Subject: Business Offer
Dear Sir/Madam
I am Abdo Hussameddin former deputy oil and mineral wealth minister in Syria. after my defection from the regime, resignation from my position and withdrawal from the Baath Party of the Syrian Government. I have joined the revolution of the people who reject injustice and the brutal campaign of the regime. I am currently in Egypt and under severe restrictions.
I have a savings of $15.8 million Dollars in a bank in the UK, I need you to assist me get this funds out so I can continue my support for the free Syrian people, This transfer process will be done strictly via online electronic process which
does not require your appearance at the bank and will be concluded in less than 1 weeks.
For your assistance and support you will have a share of 30% of the total funds, This is also negotiable.
Best Regards,
Abdo Hussameddin.
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Anti-fraud resources:
