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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:
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
- 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.
- johnatuga0@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
- name: barrister john atuga, his e-mail address is:(johnatuga0@hotmail.com) endeavor to get me informed once you receive your (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: info@netsat.net.pk
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 09:49:54 +0000
Subject: Your Cheque
Good Day,
Sequel to our previous transaction,I am very happy to alert you that i have
been able to get those funds worth the sum of $8.5M transferred under a
co-operation of new business partner from Australia.
Now be advised to contact my lawyer Mr.John Atuga and ask him for the sum
of Eight hundred and fifty
thousand united states dollars ($850,000.0USD) in a certified international
bank draft written and signed in your name for your compensation.
Name: Barrister John Atuga,
His e-mail Address is:(johnatuga0@hotmail.com)
Endeavor to get me informed once you receive your certified bank draft with
you.Also be advised to reconfirm to him
your full information such as your name,current phone number for easy
communications and as well your address where
the said bank draft would be delivered.
Best Regards
Mr.Obaseki Williams
His e-mail Address;infooffice128@yahoo.es
CONTACT MY LAWYER FOR YOUR COMPENSATION
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Anti-fraud resources:
