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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:
- "million united state dollars" (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)
- "urgent assistance" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "robert mugabe" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- 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.
- jr_is30@yahoo.com.hk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: johnndelebe19@mynet.com
Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 12:18:53 +0300
Subject: REPLY
Dear. SirWith due respect, trust and humility, I write to you this proposal, which I believe would be of great interest to you. I found your contact while doing a private search for a reliable and capable foreign partner that would assist my family to transfer fund to any personal or private account and for investment purpose. I am Mr. John G Ndebele, the son of Late Mr. Martin Old Ndebele who was the "Chairman" of the farmer's co-operation in Zimbabwe.My father was among the few blacks that were murdered in cold blood by the President Robert Mugabe during the land dispute that just happened in Zimbabwe years ago. The reason why I need your urgent assistance is because of the sum of US$36 Million (Thirty Six Million United State Dollars America) that we inherited from my late husband, which he deposited in a private security company in Accra Ghana. Before his death he was a very rich farmer and he owned a Sugar Refinery Company in Zimbabwe before the President MUGABE’S
government killed him. If you listen to international news CNN or BBC you will know what is happening in my country Zimbabwe.We are presently in Philippines as Refugee (Asylum Seekers) and as such, the law of Philippines does not permit me to operate or open any bank account in Philippines or to be involved in any financial transaction with banks or security companies. For this reason I and my mother are appealing to you to help us for release of the fund from the security company and transfer into your bank account in your country.Best regard.pls reply to me on this email (jr_is30@yahoo.com.hk)Mrs. Stella Ndebele and Son John G Ndebele(For The Family)
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