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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:
- "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "god fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Mrs Margaret Bambino <mrsm_bambino1950@live.fr>
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:56:56 +0000
Subject: DEAR BELOVE IN CHRIST
DEAR BELOVE IN CHRIST
Greetings,I am Mrs.Margaret
Bambino. from Russia an aging widow suffering from long time illness. i
am currently admitted in a hospital here in Abidjan cote d' Ivore, I
have some funds I inherited from my late loving husband Mr.Augustus
Bambino The amount of US$5.500, 000.00 which he deposited in one bank
Here in cote d'ivore and I need a honest and God fearing person who have
the feelings of human that can use this funds for God's work and 15%
out of the total funds will be for your compasation for doing this work
of God. Please if you would be able to use these funds for the Lord's
work kindly
reply to me
May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ the love of God and the sweet
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you and your family's Amen.
Your Sister In The Lord.
Mrs.Margaret Bambino.
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Anti-fraud resources:
