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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: Michael Williams <mr.michaelwilliams05@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 11 May 2022 15:51:52 -0700
Subject: Dear friend!
My name is Mr. Mr. Micheal Williams , I am a regional manager in a
financial institution and a Senior Economic Adviser to Government
Ghana. I got your contact from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Ministry of International Trade and Industry, I am searching for a
reliable and experienced business expert that can guide me in setting
up a lucrative business investment, so I decided to look for a tourism
country or secure country for this investment project. I have U$12.5
Million Dollars and I need your assistance and guidance to invest the
money in your country.
If you are capable and willing to assist me in collaborating with me
to invest the fund in your country. Do not hesitate in writing to me
immediately.
Best Regards,
Mr. Micheal Williams
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Anti-fraud resources:
