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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:
- "mtcn" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "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)
- 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.
- westernuni416@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Dr.Bocco Jean" <customers948@gmail.com>
Reply-To: westernuni416@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2021 12:35:58 +0100
Subject: FROM THE DESK OF WESTERN UNION REMITTANCE DEPT Our Ref:WUMT0XX2/987
WEB SITE. www.westernunion.com
your first payment $5,000.00 Sent to your name today and Here is the
information; MTCN #: 480-176-5006 track it now with this link.
https://www.westernunion.com/global-service/tracktransfer
I told him to keep sending you $ 5,000.00 daily until the payment of
($1,200,000.00 usd dollars) is completed transfer to you and again
forward them your telephone number and address so that they will be
sure.
Your payment information is below.
MTCN #: 480-176-5006
Amount: $ 5,000
Receiver: ******not added
Question: Transfer code
Answer: EB2520
Your full details is needed to add on the payment for pick up are?
Full Names.................
Your contact address..........
Your personal telephone number.......
Your Date of birth.................
Your Occupation....................
Your Passport photographs attach copy or any of your valid Identity.
Contact the payment officer to activate the payment code EB2520 with
$105 and add your name as the receiver to enable you start receiving
your payment $5000 every day.
The first $5000 is available as you track it but if you fail to comply
within 48 hours the payment will be cancelled and to avoid been
hijacked.
Urgently contact the payment department as I directed you and send
your full information to him.
Contact Person: Mr Nelson Richard
E-mail (westernuni416@gmail.com )
Thanks and hope to read from you soon as you have receive the first payment.
Regards.
Dr.Bocco Jean
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