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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:
- "i am using this medium to " (a common phrase found 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.Martins Paul" <martinspaul2011@gmail.com>
Reply-To: martinspaul50@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2017 23:26:18 -0700
Subject: NEED A TRUSTED PERSON
Dear Sir,
I am using this medium to solicit for your professionalism should this
offer interests you.
I have a High Profile Client, who is a two time minister and still
serving. He does not want his name to be disclosed for security
reasons. This client of mine used his influence and position to garner
a very lucrative contract here and executed the contract with his
local proxy company but unfortunately some competing expatriate
contractors who are not happy at loosing such a juicy contract to this
local company petitioned the government and alleged short cut in the
award and execution of the contract.
To avoid being unmasked and penalization of the proxy company and
himself he mandated me to immediately source for a competent company
with wealth of experience in investments and financial management that
can stand in the place of the proxy company and claim the payment of
the contract. The value of the contract in question is $130 million.
Therefore if you feel this offer falls within your areas of
specialization you are hereby advised to respond with your telephone
number and company and personal profile so we can discuss further.
Thanks
Regards,
Mr.Martins Paul
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Anti-fraud resources:
