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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
- privateafaaqr@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Rafan Afaaq" <privateafaaqr@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 23:49:24 +0100
Subject: Dear Friend For the sake of Allah, I need your help for Investment
purposes.
Dear Friend,
I need a partner who will invest with me. I am Mr. Rafan Afaaq from the city of Baghdad in Iraq . But am right now in a hospital in West Africa suffering from cancer I got your contacts through my personal research and out of desperation. I deal on crude oil I decided to reach you through this medium. I have US$20.5M for investment purpose. I want you to receive this fund on my behalf and invest on a profitable business venture on agreed terms. If you are interested please get back to me as soon as possible for more details. Include your private number in your response.
Contact Name: Rafan Afaaq,
You have to Contact me with this Email: privateafaaqr@hotmail.com
Thank you Allah will help us.
Rafan Afaaq.
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Anti-fraud resources:
