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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "million pounds" (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)
- This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
- 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.
- greatdoris915555@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: DORIS GRACIA <greatdoris915@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2014 16:27:31 +0100
Subject: URGENT
Dear,
I am Mrs.Doris Gracia. from Canada. I am married to Mr Henry Gracia. Who
worked with our country Embassy in United kingdom, for nine years before he
died recently? We were married for thirty five years without a child. He
died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Since his death
I decided not to adopted a child. When my late husband was alive he
deposited the sum of £ 1.5 Million Pounds with a security company which I
will reveal to you when we agree as family items the security company does
not know the original contents to be liquid cash. Presently this money is
with the custody of a security company in a country which I will reveal to
you when we agree.
Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next 1 and half
year due to cancer problem. Having known my condition I decided to contact
you to help me and collect this luggage out and utilize this money the way
I am going to instruct hearing.
I want a person that will stand as the new beneficiary and claim out the
luggage and help me to arrange my travelling documents and meet you over
for proper medication and to use this fund for orphanages, widows and other
peoples that needs help.I don't need any telephone communication in this
regard because of my health hence the presence of my husband's relatives
around me always. I don't want them to know about this development and l
knows that With God all things are possible.
As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you more revelations on the
way to conclude this matter. I will also issue a letter of authorization to
the Security Company that will prove you the present beneficiary of this
money.
Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I Stated herein.
Hoping to receive your response immediately
Email greatdoris915555@gmail.com
Thanks.
Doris
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