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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Mrs Danielle <mrsamadieuestelle@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2016 13:12:09 +0300
Subject: hi
My Dear
How are you My name is Mrs Danielle. 53 yrs old widow, my husband and I worked with Petro-Ivoire oil Cote d'Ivoire before he died seven years ago, I am writing you this message on my sick bed at the hospital where I am undergoing medical treatment I have been diagnosed of Endometrial cancer unfortunately for me my doctor said I do not have any chance to survive except by a miracle I have spent a lot of money on medical treatment yet no improvement.
I want you to stand as beneficiary to the sum of my Two Million two Hundred Thousand United States Dollars, and you will use it to train my adopted daughter who is 16 yrs. You will take her as your God child and brought her up in a good and decent manner with what my late husband left behind.
Please if you are willing to take care of my daughter with this money, please I will like you to contact me back.
Regards.
Mrs Danielle
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Anti-fraud resources:
