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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:
- "million us dollars" (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 mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +22554433995 (Cote d'Ivoire, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
Fraud email example:
From: Magarita Silva <settai_game@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: Magarita Silva <magaritasilva2000@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 20:51:31 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Mrs Magarita Gupta
My name is Mrs. Magarita Silva Gupta. I am married to Dr James Gupta who worked with Malaysia embassy for nine years, Before he died in 2012.
We were married for eleven years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for four days. Before his death we were both born again christains. Since his death i decided not to remarry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible spoke against. When my husband was alife he deposited the sum of $3.2million US dollars [three million two hundred million US dollars] in a Company security.He also said that the security company does not know the content of the safe Box.He decleared it as family treasure and used my name to Deposit the cosingnment as his wife and next of kin.
Recently my doctor told me that i will take the grace of GOD due to cancer problems .
Though what disturbs me mostly is my stroke. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to church or still an individual that will use this in orphanages and widows and also propagating the word of God and to ensure that the house of God is maintained.
The Bible made us to understand that blessed are the hands that giveth. I took this decision because I don`t have any child that will inherit this money and my husband's relatives are not good and I don`t want my husband hard earned money to be misused by this people. I don`t want a situation where these money will be used in an ungodly manner, hence the reason for taking this bold decision. I am not afraid of death hence i know where am going.
I know that am going to be in the bossom of the Lord. Exodus 14vs14 says that the Lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace. I can only communication with you via email because of my health I cant always call you because of my health and my inlaws around me but I will always try if chance permits me. I don`t want them to know about these development.
Although I can do all things through God that empowers me. As soon as I recieve your reply I shall give you the contact of the Company. I will also send to you all the deposit document and a letter of authority that will enpower you as the original- Beneficiary of this consignment. I want you to always pray for me.
My happiness is that i lived a life of a worthy christain, whoever that wants to serve the Lord must serve Him in spirit and truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life.
Thanks for your cooperation.
Best regards,
Mrs Magarita Gupta
Tel. +225 544 33995
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