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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:
- "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Teresa Beaver" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <tereaver@inmano.com>
Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2017 21:38:56 -0500
Subject: URGENT ATTENTION NEEDED
Hello Dear, I have a proposition for you, however is not mandatory nor will I in any manner compel you to honor against your will. I have an intention of establishing a charity foundation in your community. 1. Can you handle this project? 2. Can I give you this trust? I know you will be thinking how strange it is offering such proposal to a total stranger via email, yes it is truly strange but this happens to be my last resort considering the present condition of my health which makes it very impossible me to handle the project on my own. I am looking for a confidant someone to help fulfill my last wish because I am suffering from Cancer and hospitalized at the moment. I promise to give more detailed information upon reading a positive response from you. Thanks and remain blessed as I wait your prompt reply. Mrs. Teresa Beaver
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Anti-fraud resources:
