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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.
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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)
 
  -  This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams. 
 
Fraud email example:
From: hasan ahmed <hasanahmed2@gmail.com> 
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2015 20:30:43 +0100 
Subject: YOUR SINCERE ASSISTANCE & PARTNERSHIP 
 
Dear Sir, 
 
It is never my tradition to send an email to someone without former 
acknowledgement, I am doing this because of the necessity and urgency 
of this transaction. 
 
I am HASSAN AHMED a citizen of West Africa; I have an opportunity at my 
disposal that requires your sincere and swift action to execute. 
 
There is $900M (900,000,000USD) that is available for an investment project. 
 
I shall fully inform you of the full operation upon your acceptance to 
assist to implement the transaction. 
 
I am waiting your sincere and quick response. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
HASSAN AHMED 
 
 
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Anti-fraud resources: