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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:
- "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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Pauline Douglas <paulinedouglas28@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2022 01:12:00 -0700
Subject: Hello Dear,
Hello Dear,
I am writing with my personal respect in regards to my family venture in
your country, I am researching for a Good firm as reliable, Trustworthy and
God fearing. I got your contact during my research of companies and
investors on the Internet and was able to get your email contact to reach
you directly. Indeed I am Mrs Pauline Douglas and I will need your help to
secure funds of $50 million dollars to your account for my family's future
investment overseas.
We are prepared to send all the documents regarding this deposit in the
bank as soon as you show your immediate Response Email. Do not fail to give
me your Mobile phone Number.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Pauline Douglas
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Anti-fraud resources:
