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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:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million 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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Joseph Agavou" <test@ovagames.com>
Reply-To: finan.serv@administrativos.com
Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2017 00:13:42 -0700
Subject: Waiting for your instruction
Attention: Beneficiary,
We have received an official letter regarding the release of your part payment approved fund of US$ 1.2 million Dollars. We are very sorry as it was due to delay from our corrupt officials who are trying to divert your inheritance funds for their own selfish interest. To make everything fast and easy we decided to pay you through through our ATM Swift Card Payment System or we can also pay you by Key Tested Telex (K.T.T) Wire Transfer through Bank to Bank Account (Swift System). This is to enable you receive your fund conveniently into any nominated bank account of your choice in your country.
You are required to provide the following information which will be used to facilitate the accrediting process as there will be need to set up an account on your behalf.
Personal Information
(1) Full Names:
(2) Complete Address:
(3) Nationality:
(4) Direct Phone Number:
(5) Alternative Email Address:
(6) Preferred Currency For Account:
Kindly get back to me for more details.
Yours Faithfully,
Mr Joseph Agavou
Federal Ministry of finance
Benin Republic.
Tel:+229 99893690
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Anti-fraud resources:
