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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:
- "million united state 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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
- This email message is a next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: Akufo Awuye <akufoawuye000@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2016 12:47:50 +0000
Subject: Hello
Dear
Compliments of the day to you; Firstly, I apologize for sending you this sensitive information via e-mail instead of a certified post-mail. Well, my name is Mr. Akufo Awuye,
It is with trust and sincerity that I approach you for this business project.
However I seek your concept to present you as the foreign executor next of kin to my deceased client who made a deposit of (Eight Million United State Dollars) with a bank here few years back.
Dear you are at the advantage to stand as the beneficiary of the left fund in the bank. As the late deceased lawyer I will defend you at the bank and the total amount will be transfer to your personal account. I intend to share with you 50%50.
There is no risk involved; The transaction will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of law
Please affirm your willingness by providing me your full name and telephone number so that I can give you the comprehensive details.
With Regards
Akufo.
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Anti-fraud resources:
