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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:
- "transfer of your funds" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. JOHNSON" <wc@act.com>
Reply-To: williamswilliamsjohns1954@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2021 01:46:48 -0800
Subject: Can I Trust You??
Good day,
I have been mandated by European union African office to effect outstanding payments with an initial. I have received notification and instructions from your principle .
I am obliged to make the transfer of your funds to you via ATM CARD.
Due to the stringent financial policy and monetary regulation/reform introduced by the Bank for the first quarter of this fiscal year 2020 and the huge costs involved in direct wire transfer of the fund from the apex bank, it becomes expedient that we formulate a more workable means of remitting the fund into any designated account to be nominated by you.
RESPECTFULLY
I will apply for the funds to be packed into the electronic banking system and paid by Automated Payment Systems (CHAPS ///ATM for 500,000 united states dollars.
An automated teller machine (ATM) is an electronic banking outlet,which allows customers to complete basic transactions without the aid of a branch representative or teller.
I will make proper arrangements for the ATM Card to be sent to you in the next few days.
Do reconfirm to me.
1.your full names and full address
2.your direct phone number to enable me reach you at all times
RESPECTFULLY
JOHNSON WILLIAMS
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Anti-fraud resources:
