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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:
- "the consignment" (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)
- "consignment " (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)
- "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)
- "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
- 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.
- undiplomaticcourier089@yahoo.co.jp (Yahoo, Japan; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. George Fred" <georgefred76@mail.com>
Reply-To: undiplomaticcourier089@yahoo.co.jp
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 22:35:48 +0100
Subject: Contact Mr. Johnson for the delivery of your fund $3.1M
Attn:
I write to inform that we have concluded all needed arrangement with
the UN Diplomatic Courier Company to deliver your consignment box fund
valued of Three Million one hundred thousand United State Dollars.
Infact I thank God very much for all the movement I made, every thing
goes normal. As for my agreement with the UN DIPLOMATIC COURIER COMPANY
Director: Dr. Ettani Johnson, He promised that your consignment box will
leave this Country tomorrow. Your fund is in United State currency and
in 100usd bills all.
Note: The diplomatic does not know the original contents of the boxes
for security reason. What l declared to them as the contents of the
consignment box is Sensitive Photographic Film Material. I did not
declare money to them. Please, on his arrival to your country and the
agent calls asking you the contents, kindly tell him the same thing
Ok. You should contact the courier company and forward them your
details below:
Your full name...
You?re Address...
Direct telephone....
Your nearest Airport....
Registration code: #898ASSD70
Contact person is below:
Dr. Ettani Johnson
Position: Director general, UN Diplomatic Courier Company.
E-mail: undiplomaticcourier089@yahoo.co.jp
Tele:+234-70513-59857
I shall forward you all other details when am less busy. You should
make sure you contact Dr. Ettani Johnson and forward him your full
details to enable them proceed with the delivery asap.
They are waiting to hearing you asap.
Regards
George Fred.
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