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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:
- "million us 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)
- "god fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mrs.Rachael Stewart." <jw3124041@gmail.com>
Reply-To: rechaelstewart081@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:38:42 -0700
Subject: FROM Mrs. Rachael Stewart......
FROM Mrs. Rachael Stewart.
23 Les Caches St.Martins,
Guernsey,Channel Islands
United Kingdom.
Attention :
I am the above named person but now undergoing medical treatment in
London England. I am married to Dr.Richard Stewart. who worked with
British Railway Commission in Chelsea England for over a decade before
he died on 5th of July in the year 2006.We were married for fifteen
years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for
two weeks.Before his death he made a vow to use his wealth for the
down trodden and the less privileged in the society.Since his death I
decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial
home.When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of (Eighteen
Million US Dollars) with one Finance House.Presently this money is
still with the Finance House.Recently my Doctor told me that I would
not last for the next 150 days due to cancer problem.
Though what disturbs me most is my stroke.Having known my condition I
decided to donate this fund to an individual or better still a God
fearing person who will utilize this money the way I am going to
instruct here in.I want an individual that will use this to fund and
provide succor to poor and indigent persons orphanages and widows and
for propagating peace in the universe.I understand that blessed is the
hand that giveth. I took this decision because I do not have any child
that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are not inclined
to helping poor persons and I do not want my husbands hard earned
money to be misused or spent in the manner in which my late husband
did not specify.I do not want a situation where this money will be
used in an ungodly manner hence the reason for taking this bold
decision. I am not afraid of death hence know where I am going.I know
that I am going to be in the bossom of the Almighty.
I do not need any telephone communication in this regard because of my
health and because of the presence of my husbands relatives round me
always.I do not want them to know about this development. With God all
things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you
the contact of the Finance House.I will also issue you a letter of
authority that will empower you as the original beneficiary of this
fund..I want you to always pray for me. My happiness is that I lived a
life worthy of emulation. Whosoever that wants to serve the Almighty
must serve him with all his heart and mind and always be prayerful all
through your life.Any delay in your reply will give me room in
sourcing for an individual for this same purpose. Please assure me
that you will act according to specification herein.
Hoping to hear from you.Thank you and May the Almighty God bless you.
Yours sincerely
Mrs.Rachael Stewart.
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