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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- 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:
- "you are advise to" (this email uses bad English)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- 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.
- 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.
- alexkennedy297@rocketmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: officer officer <officerofficer540@yahoo.pt>
Reply-To: officer officer <utbpaymentcenter@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 22:08:54 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Attention: Sir/Madam.
Â
UNITED TRUST BANK PLC.
1261 ADEOLA HOPEWELL STREET,
LAGOS,NIGERIA.
Tel:+234-708-262-2594
Swift:utbNG28X82
Attention: Sir/Madam.
This is to Inform you that ATM Card Number: (4539 7978 0214 3027) worth US$10.5M has been accredited to your favor, you are advise to contact Mr. Alex Kennedy of ONE WORLD EXPRESS COURIER SERVICE on (alexkennedy297@rocketmail.com) with the following information below.
1. Your full Names.
2. Your Phone and fax number.
3. Your Delivery address {where you want the ATM card to be sent to}.
4. Your Occupation and Job Title.
5. Your Age & Sex.
6. Your Next of Kin.
Finally note that you are receiving this email message as a result of IMF including your name among the list of beneficiaries for the above Inheritance fund, do respond with the above directive immediately in order to successfully receive your fund within a timely period.
Regards
DR SCOTT ROGERS
UNITED TRUST BANK PLC.
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Anti-fraud resources:
