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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:
- "dear friend" (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)
- "urgent assistance" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: westafrica unioncenter <westafricauniondirection@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2020 06:30:41 -0800
Subject: Thank for your respond.
Dear Friend,
I am Mr. Sabo, I need your urgent assistance in transferring
the sum of 15.5 million dollars, to your account for investment in your
country if you are ready get back to me i will give you full details
1.) Your full name..............................
2.) Country.....................................
3.) Your private number.........................
4.).Your age:...................................
5)Your Photo....................................
6)Your profession...............................
As soonthe bank ,Do not be angry that I request all that information from
you, I do not want to fall Victim as this is the only hope I have in
life to make it. as I receive it from you I will send you information on how to
contact the bank.
Best Regards
Mr. Sabo Rabo.
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Anti-fraud resources:
