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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:
- "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)
- "the diplomat " ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "cashier's check" (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 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.
- donaldsmith_06@yahoo.dk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: <donaldsmith_06@yahoo.dk>
Date: Sat, 7 Mar 2015 03:15:57 +0700
Subject: Dear Friend!!!
My Good friend,
How are you together with your family? I am happy to inform you that I have finally succeeded in getting those funds transferred with co-operation of a partner from South Korea who financed the transaction and provided all requirements through the help of the diplomat I earlier told you about. He initiated this idea and everything worked out successfully.
Meanwhile, I did not forgot your past efforts and willingness to assist me in transferring the funds despite the fact that it did not work out as expected.
In appreciation of the sincere effort, courage and trustworthiness you showed during the course of the transaction I have decided to compensate and show my gratitude by offering you the sum of $700,000 (Seven hundred thousand United States dollars only). Kindly accept this amount as it is from my heart.
I have authorized my bank Todo Nuevo bank, Spain where the money is being deposited to pay you the above-mentioned amount through cashier's check or wire transfer. Contact my account officer in the bank as soon as possible to inform you on how the transfer will be made. Her contact info is
Rev Donald Smith.
Email: donaldsmith_06@yahoo.dk
Please do let me know immediately you receive the fund so we can share the joy together after all the stress we passed through. At the moment I am very busy here in South Korea because of the investment projects that Lee and I are having at hand. My account officer is waiting to hear from you so write her immediately with your complete names, address and phone number
Warm regards from South Korea
ALICIA JOSE.
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Anti-fraud resources:
