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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
Fraud email example:
From: Stros Ivan <jmhiggns@gmail.com>
Reply-To: strosvan@gmail.com
Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:57:53 +0000
Subject: BABY & ADULT DIAPERS
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are here to introduce our company as a registered Importing
company based in Supplying and Distributing of all kind of goods.
with registration endorsement under the Togo Lome Commerce and Industry.
Our company has been into Importation and distribution of goods for
many years with our international business experience which has given
us the confident to open Three branches offices out side Togo
Republic.
Recently we have being ask by African Trade Union Organization to
source out a reliable firm who will be capable to handle a contract
supply of Baby Diapers
We came across your company contact information as a supplier
manufacturer and exporter of above mentioned in your region,With due
respect we request you to please send your prices quotation for our
study in proceedings.
Looking forward to establish a long lasting business with your company.
Regards
James Higgins
232 Rue Tambina
Phone:+228-90715121
Lome-Togo
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Anti-fraud resources:
