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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:
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Mr STEVE <williamcanthony1968@gmail.com>
Reply-To: stevedblack1@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:43:30 -0700
Subject: ATTENTION DEAR PACKAGE OWNER:
ATTENTION DEAR PACKAGE OWNER
Hello Dear I hope this message reaches you with safety hands? My
names is Mrs vivian James from DHL Courier service Company here in
Colorado. I'm here to bring to your notice that your fund $10.7Million
brought to my desk by Sink frank and a lady Mrs. Winter from custom
custody here in Colorado'.The Chief director of Customs officer and
Border protection (CBP) directed them to us for successful transfer of
your fund.
We have options listed below on how you will receive your fund so you
will be advised to make your choices and get back to me with home
address full name and I'd card..
(1) cash delivery to home address
(2) direct transfer to your bank account
(3) an ATM card delivery to your home Address
We will need your urgent response to able us proceed on this process
as soon as possible..
Regards
Mrs Vivian James
DHL Courier service Company
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Anti-fraud resources:
