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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- sgtlisa20@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: lisa.ragnvard2@aol.com
Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2018 10:53:24 -0400
Subject: HI
Greetings to You
Assist Request From You
Please let this not be a surprised message to you because I decided to contact you on this magnitude and lucrative transaction for our present and future survival in life. Moreover, I have laid all the solemn trust in you before i decided to disclose this successful and confidential transaction to you.
I am Sgt Wilson, I hope all is well with you? I am female soldier working as United Nations peace keeping troop in Afghanistan on war against terrorism. I have in my possession the sum of $3.5 Million USD Which I made here in Afghanistan 2014,I deposited this money with a Red Cross agent. I want you to stand as my beneficiary and receive the fund And keep it safe so that as soon as am through with my mission here in Afghanistan.
You will assist me to invest it in a good profitable Venture or you keep it for me until I arrive your country, I will give You 40% of the total money for your assistance after you have receive The money. Please reply back to me if you are willing to work with me so that I can send you the information where the money is been deposited.
Your urgent reply is needed at (sgtlisa20@gmail.com).
Thank Yours
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Anti-fraud resources:
