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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
- 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.
- egobiaben002@yahoo.co.jp (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: Egobia Benjamin <egobiaben001@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Thu, 24 May 2012 07:49:28 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: private mail
Dear Beloved In Christ,
I am Mrs Egobia Benjamin from Cape Verde,When my late husband was alive we deposited the sum of $3.5 Million (USD) dollars in a Local Bank in Togo Lome.
I have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer,my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next Four months due to the cancer problem. From all indications the cancer has gotten to a very dangerous stage.
Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to good person that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. I want you to use at least 80% of this fund for orphanages, widows and and also propagating the word of God and to endeavor that the house of God is maintained and take the remaining 20% to take good care of your good God Given Home.
Assure me that you will act accordingly as I Stated herein. Hoping to receive your response immedaitely.
Thanks and Remain blessed in the Lord.
Try reply with your Full Name:
country:
State and Zip Code:
sex and age:
mobile phone number:
occupation ......
please relpy to my private mail :egobiaben002@yahoo.co.jp
Yours sister in Christ,
Egobia Benjamin.
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Anti-fraud resources: