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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- "might come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "jameszuma1974@gmail.com" <allenhogan7001@gmail.com>
Date:
Subject:
Dear Sir/Madam
My name is Mr.James Zuma I work as a procurement assistant. I got your
contact details during my search for a reliable and neutral company or
individual to partner with in the area of investment.
I need your assistance to manage an investment fund in a profitable
business in your region with good Annual Return on Investment (AROI). I
know that this mail might come to you as a surprise because we neither know
each other nor have ever met but please accept it with an open and positive
mind.
Details of the investment and funding will be furnished to you when I
receive your response which will also facilitate a face to face meeting
with the investors.
Yours Sincerely,
Mr.James Zuma.
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Anti-fraud resources:
