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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 will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "diplomatic agent" ("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 Larry Williams <"www."@orion.ocn.ne.jp>
Reply-To: Mr Larry Williams <diplomaticagentlarrywilliams49@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2017 16:08:57 +0900 (JST)
Subject: ATTN CUSTOMER
ATTN: this is Larry Williams the diplomatic agent the one coming to deliver your concealment box what of $8.5million am currently Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
the flight landed few minutes ago,right now i am getting some clearance from custom agency because
they stated that they need to register the delivery because it is an international delivery,i will
like you to note me the following information so that i will fill the form and get registered by them
so that i will be free to book another flight to your city airport. you can call or text me with this number (678) 741-9702
Your full correct Name:___________________
Home Address:_________________ ____________
Country:______________________ __
Current occupation:___________________ _____________
Cell Phone Number:_______________________ _____
Emails:_______________________ __
and also attach me a scan copy of your identity card so that i will recognize you when i meet you today on the line of the delivery?
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Anti-fraud resources:
