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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:
- "security keeping fee" (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. )
- "consignment " (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)
- "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)
- "diplomatic agent" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- 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.
- franksmithoffice@yahoo.com (Yahoo; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Dead Or Alive <doniji1992@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2022 05:10:43 +0100
Subject: GOOD NEWS
I'm Diplomatic Agent Frank Smith
I just want to inform you about my successful arrival in San Diego
International Airport California USA,
with your Consignment Box worth sum of $40 million dollars. the only
thing that is still delaying me here
is Delivery Permit that is needed and security keeping fee the Airport
Authority has advise that we get the
document for custom to enable me pass out and complete delivery to you
home and the cost of both is
$142.You can send the $142 via gift card .like iTunes card and many more (e.t.c)
Reconfirm below information
Your Name__________
Home Address________
Direct Phone Number________
Your Copy of Id Card____________
Your occupation______________
Contact Person : Mr. Frank Smith
Email Address:(franksmithoffice@yahoo.com)
Phone Number: (+1-352-503-1358)
Best Regards
Mr. Frank Smith
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Anti-fraud resources:
