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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:
- "please indicate your willingness" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million 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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: frank nelson <franknelson720@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2014 20:13:03 +0100
Subject: URGENT MESSAGE PLEASE
URGENT MESSAGE PLEASE
How are you,WELL I Need you Assistance to inviting some of ($18.9
Million Dollars) in you country However, it's just my urgent needed
for foreign partner that made me to contact you for this transaction.
I assured you honesty and reliability to champion this business
opportunity when i prayed to God about it.
I have the opportunity of transferring the left over funds ($18.9
Million Dollars) for the investment. I am inviting this money for
anything you know that we be good for you country there and i promise
to offer you 40% for you re assistants of this business deal. so if
you agree to my business proposal. Further details of the transfer
will be forwarded to you as soon as i receive your return mail
immediately as soon as you receive this letter.
Please indicate your willingness by sending the below information for
more clarification and easy communication and call me immediately.
(1) FULL NAME ...........
(2) CONTACT ADDRESS ................
(3) TEL AND FAX NUMBER .......
(4) OCCUPATION ................
(5) AGE ...
(6) COUNTRY ..................
(7) MARITAL STATUS ...................
Hoping to hear from you as soon as possible.
Regards
Mr.Frank
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Anti-fraud resources:
