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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
- zumainna@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Zuma inna <zumainna5@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2014 05:29:42 +0200
Subject: HONESTLY I HAVE THE TRUST ON YOU
Dear Friend,
How are you today/Permit me to approach you in this manner. I am Inna
Zuma a Turkish contractor working with Non combatant US Marine in
Yemen. I have the sum of $ 10.2million i made from some Crude Oil deal
that i want you to help me to receive in our country.
Since i am working here on Official capacity i cannot keep this fund
with me and as soon as i received your response i will Attached my
working identity for your perusal.please email me back with this email
address
(zumainna@hotmail.com)
Kind Regards
Inna Zuma.
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Anti-fraud resources:
