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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr.Kwasi Kofi" <james.gough174@gmail.com>
Reply-To: kwasi.kofi3231@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2022 03:35:53 +0100
Subject: Best Regards
Dear Friend
I am soliciting your assistance in the transfer of some huge amounts of
money into your account and investing in your country if you are willing
to work with me. The fund is being held under a Non-investment account with
Citibank NA Ghana limited.
I will program your name on the account holding the fund as the original
depositor and then process outward remittance of the funds to you. You will
get 45% of the total funds of US$12,800,000.00 for your role plus
investment of my portion under a documented working agreement.
If you are interested, kindly get back to me with your response alongside
your physical contact address/ mobile phone number and we will move quickly
to consummate the deal.
I am waiting for your positive response.
With regards
Mr.Kwasi Kofi.
Home Address:HS#20,Manet Cottage,
Spintex Rd.
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Anti-fraud resources:
