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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:
- "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- "cheques " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Fidelity Bank Ghana <ftransferdept@fastservice.com>
Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:27:09 -0500
Subject: Escrow Account Activation
Dear Value Customer.
Fidelity Bank wishes to inform you that Non resident account activation is essential to have access to your account.
Activation of your escrow account gives you opportunity to access your funds locally or internationally and it helps you to manage your account by yourself, you can transfer funds by yourself or use your ATM card in any cash point all over the world.
If you did not activate the account we will not be able to apply credit or debit to your dormant escrow account and you will not have access to our current services and your escrow account will remain dormant and that is why we are suggesting to you as our value customer to follow this step to enjoy our services which will be of your benefit.
Activation of your dormant escrow account will gives you the opportunity to enjoy out internet banking, our internet services is a reliable and flexible to manage your finances efficiently and conveniently in your office or home, just at the click of a button by visiting the link https://fblinets02.fidelityibank.com/corporate/ password and login name only be giving to you after your account completed activated.
These are your benefit while online:
1. Check their balances and account activity
2. Transfer funds between their accounts held at Fidelity
3. Transfer funds to other Fidelity Bank customers
4. Transfer funds of other customers in different banks
5. View and Print statement of accounts
6. Request cheque books
7. Stop cheque payments
8. View status of cheques
9. Initiate loan repayments
10. Send a secured message to customer care.
Fidelity Bank ATM facility extends banking services to our cherished clients in a fast and convenient way. Our strategically located ATMs give you 24 hour access to your active accounts.
With your Fidelity Bank ATM card, you can enjoy the comprehensive range of services such as:
Fast Cash
Cash Withdrawal
Balance Enquiry
Mini Statement
PIN Change
Funds Transfer
I hope you do understand our concern and we hope you take necessary step to follow up.
Thanks for your understanding and we hope to serve you best.
Regards
Edward Effah
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Anti-fraud resources: