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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "hundred thousand united state 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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a next of kin scam.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +447031909970 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
- 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.
- barr.jerrylucas1960@consultant.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Barr Jerry Lucas" <barr.jerrylucas1960@consultant.com>
Date: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 00:30:30 -0600
Subject: Dear Friend
Dear Friend,
I am Jerry Lucas, Attorney at law, a Bank staff of the bank HSBC (London) I have a business proposal of US$17.5 million (Seventeen Million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars) Which has been long deposited into a security company only for you to transact with me from my Bank to your country regarding a deceased client of mine,that shares the same last name as yours,who died as a result of a heart-related Disease in March 12th 2005.
All conformable documents to back up the claims will be made available to you prior to your acceptance and as soon as I receive your return mail via my email and I will let you know what is required of you.
Your earliest response to this letter will be appreciated.I can be reached on( barr.jerrylucas1960@consultant.com ) for more information.
Best Regards,
Barr.Jerry Lucas.
TEL: +44 7031909970
Email:barr.jerrylucas1960@consultant.com
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