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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- ",500,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: First City Monument Bank <infospdcgbandi@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 30 May 2018 15:18:48 +0200
Subject: Your Atm Visa Card Payment notification
ATTN:SIR/MADAM.
This is to inform you that after several weeks of deliberation finally
the federal Government of Nigeria agreed to compensate you with the
sum of US$10,500,000.00 (Ten Million Five Hundred United State
Dollars)
Without wasting much your time we have decided to pay you through ATM
Card, all you need to do is to choose the delivery company of your
choice for immediate delivery to your home address without any further
delay.
DHL Express $70
Fedex Red Star Express $80
Speedways Courier Services $40
Please be regular on your email so we can use 48hrs to confirm your
payment with us
Yours respectfully,
Mr.Charles Gbandi
First City Monument Bank
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Anti-fraud resources:
