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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:
- ",000,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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: jerry williams <j23_williams@yahoo.ca>
Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 15:06:40 -0800
Subject: How are You From Williams?
Dear ,
I am Jerry Williams . Nationality sierra leone. I am 23 years old, a student. I lost my father years back. He died druring the political crisis in my country. My late father was one of the directors under tijan kabbah government.
My mother is aged she is 62 years now an old woman. We are leaving in cote d'ivoire since past six month. It is my desire to write from my heart hoping that you will help us. My father diverted some huge some of money which he deposited with a bank in this country when he was alife,in fact in a brife i introdution.
All the information will be given to you when i hear from you. This money totaling us$ 25,000,000.00 million dollar. Now we are seeking for a trusted person who will receive this money into his/her account for onward investment.
We have decieded to give you 10% of the total sum for your kind assistance.It is inheritance and our last hope. Show your interest and we proceed on the next step of action.
Thanks and God bless you.
Jerry Williams
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Anti-fraud resources:
