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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:
- "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "courier service" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: Sergeant Allen Moore <prueba@marco.com.pe>
Reply-To: "Sergeant Allen Moore" <sgtallenmoore@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2014 21:09:09 -0500 (PET)
Subject: REPLY
Dear,
I acknowledged you and has great respect for you.
Let me start by introducing my self. I am serving as US General Army and the commanding security to Iraqi Nation and also with Afghanistan as National Security Adviser to the Countries Securities.
Sometime last year, I and some other high ranking Officers made some deal on oil business over there in Iraq before my exit to Syria for an important official duties because of the present situation in Syria am currently assisting Co- General Stanley Mc Chrystal. Presently in States.
The deal worth $50m united states dollars and after we have all share the money I realize $17.5m which is my personal share of the deal, due to my status as a US General, I can not be able to move this huge funds to my country to avoid further interrogation or face any kind of probation by my country government so we are moving it by diplomatic means to your house directly or a safe and secured location of your choice using diplomatic courier services. But can we trust you? Once the funds get to you, you take 30% out and keep 70% for us. Your part of this deal is to find a safe place where the funds can be sent to. Our part is sending it to you.
If you are interested, reply and we will furnish you with more details.
Urgently awaiting your response.
Your Buddy.
Sgt. Allen Moore
God Bless America!!!
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