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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 fake company names, fake addresses, non-existent institutions/documents or other details have appeared in scams before:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "consignment " (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)
- "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "diplomatic delivery" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Williams Cord" <williamscordoffice@gmail.com>
Reply-To: "Mr. Williams Cord" <williamscord98@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:37:32 +0900 (JST)
Subject: CONSIGNMENT BOX DETAILS
Attention Dear Consignment Box Owner
Thank you for your reply and i am sorry for the delay in delivering your package.
My name is Williams Cord A Diplomatic Delivery Agent Sky Courier Delivery Company Benin Republic.I have arrived JFK International Airport right now with your package hoping to hear from you.
I am delivering 3 packages this week here in USA and Across. I was issued with your package for delivery to your home address
please reconfirm your delivery name and address to avoid mistake
Full name:....
Delivery home address:..
Phone Number:...
Occupation:...
ID card for identification
Your urgent reply will be appreciated because i can no longer stay at this airport to avoid suspicious lookout on me. And once i get your delivery information, i will give you a call as soon as possible
find below package delivery details...
CONSIGNMENT BOX DETAILS:
Date of Registration: 2014/2015:
Delivery Code No: Z562UN8-45
Consignment Box Code: bz47/N986/B1PL
Consignment Box: Wood Silver
Consignment Weight: 5.8kg
Installed Content: Undisclosed(by agent)
Deposit Consignment code:ADB/857/YFG/15
I wait to hear from you shortly
Regards
Name: Williams Cord
Delivery Agent
Sky Courier Delivery Company
Phone number: +1 201 431 7191
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Anti-fraud resources:
