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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:
- "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
Fraud email example:
From: "Engr.Pepra Ajuma" <goldconsultants2004@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:52:51 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Re: AU Gold
Dear Sir,
I have sent an email to you regarding your last reply on AU Gold for Sale.
Seller have deposits in Sierra Leone. Seller have SKR of deposited Gold from Government Approved Security Company.
Seller is RWA to do business with buyer on a long term basis in Sierra Leone at a very good and affordable price. All our business transaction must be approved by the government in Sierra Leone.
If buyer is RWA to buy AU Gold in Sierra Leone, please kindly respond ASAP.
Seller is waiting for your urgent reply.
Cordially,
Engr. Pepra Ajuma
Telephone: +229 96 44 10 94
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Anti-fraud resources:
