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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:
- "% commission" (Beware of any scheme that involves depositing checks or money orders or receiving wire transfers in your bank account and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere, for a percentage of 5-15% of the total. Such offers are *always* fraudulent and you will be liable for the entire amount when the checks, money orders or wire transfers turn out to be fraudulent. Any money already forwarded comes out of *your* pocket then. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "PHILEMON AKWA" <philemonakwa01@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 11:06:24 +0100
Subject: CONTRACT OFFER,REPLY
Dear Sir
We got your company information through an exhaustive search
in the internet. We are authorized government/Business agent
based in Ghana, Representing Ghana Government and Ecowas.
Our scope is basically searching for companies to bid for
government contract on commission basis. We receive 10%
commission from the seller/manufacturer in any successful
contract done through our recommendation. We will like to
make a preliminary presentation/introduction of your company
to the ministry for their consideration. Could you please be
kind enough to furnish us with the following information to
enable us present/introduce your highly esteemed company to
the appropriate Ministry.1) Your e-brochure/catalog.2) The
Technical details of your product 3) Your company profile.
We shall deploy all resources in our disposal to ensure a
successful bidding for your company. You may include any
information or document that you deem necessary. We are
looking forward to working with you.
Regard,
Philemon Akwa
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Anti-fraud resources:
