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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:
- "dear friend" (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: "Frank John Wang" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <frankjohnwang@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2017 19:23:16 +0100
Subject: My regards
Dear Friend
I have been trying to reach you for quite a while with information on a business proposal that is mutually beneficial should you choose to participate. I hope I have finally reached you.The information I have is privileged and I would like to appeal and appreciate if it is handled as such.
My name is Frank John Wang, Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive at a top firm in East Asia.I shall give a detailed explanation on how and why I need your input once I ascertain your interest and willingness to assist.
You can reach me via my email below by replying to this message so I know you have received this and I can send you more information.
I anticipate and look forward to a successful business relationship with you.
I await your response.
Yours faithfully
Frank J.Wang
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Anti-fraud resources:
