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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:
- "hundred thousand united states 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)
- "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.
- 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: "Mr Chris Puller" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <com.chrispuller@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 15:13:57 +0200
Subject: FEDERAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY OF NIGERIA !!!.
Attn:
I am Mr Chris Puller and I am a new worker with the Nigeria Airport Authorities.As I was cleaning my new office I discovered a brown envelop as I opened it I discovered it was a Certified Bank Check that was inside the envelop and the Check with all legal documents backing the funds and your name was on it , it was a donation to you.
I don't know why you did not claim your money then,the check is valued ($1.5USD) One Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars.But,I am willing to help you do what is required so you can claim your money.The only thing you have to pay for now is the delivery fee which is ($220) as i am going help you put your parcel in the next available flight coming to your country.
If you agree to this please write me back asap,so I will tell you what to do.And you will get this money in 3days time.
Kindly re-confirm your details to clearify I communicating with the right person:
Full name :
Sex:
Your Current Address & Country:
Telephone:
I await your response,my name is Mr Chris Puller and my direct number is +2347057153600.
Please note: This information I just disclosed should be confidential and you are to treat it with almost secretive as to save my job and life. also note that your CERTIFIED BANK DRAFT (CHECK) AND ALL YOUR LEGAL DOCUMENTS backing your FUND is in the envelop. I shall be sending all to you if you comply to my directives.I am doing you a fovor please don't ask me to send parcel with my own money it wont work that way.
Thanks and God bless you.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Chris Puller.
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