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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:
- ",000,000" (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.
- 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.
- below.officialrosejames3@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Anna Makara <johngeoffrey2343@gmail.com>
Reply-To: nurseannamakara@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2024 11:03:53 +0000
Subject: FROM JOHN GEOFFREY
We have been authorized by the European investment bank London and the IMF
to investigate the reason for unnecessary deferral funds that have been
approved by law. During Our investigation, we found out that your payment
was Delayed by corrupt officials of some banks who tried to redirect your
funds to their personal Accounts.
In order to stop this dubious act, we have agreed with the European
investment bank of London and the International Monetary Fund(IMF), we are
able to handle this payment and monitor it. Avoid hopeless situations with
banks and other organs of the authorities In criminal proceedings.
We have received an irrevocable payment guarantee for your payment from the
Imf. We would like to inform you that the European investment bank has
decided to compensate you with the sum of $1,000,000,00 and transfer it to
your bank account via Wire Transfer.
contact our correspondent bank secretary Mrs.Rose James with the email
address below.officialrosejames3@gmail.com
Be sure to contact the above bank without any delay for the final release
and transfer of your fund. The European Investment Bank must be sure to
transfer your funds to your bank account without delay.
We assume your urgent cooperation.
Thank you.
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Anti-fraud resources:
