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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:
- "arts_galler@foxmail.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- 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.
- +447031919775 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
Fraud email example:
From: "Contemporary Arts Gallery"<info@mail.com>
Reply-To: arts_galler@foxmail.com
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:38:56 -0800
Subject: Attn:Sir/Madam
The management of contemporary Arts Gallery in England requires your representation for our delinquent customers in your region. We are of the opinion that a reputable individual/company is required to represent us in order for us to recover monies due to our organization by overseas customers, and as well follow up with these accounts. In order to achieve these objectives your sincerity and good reputation will be required to handle this service.
We understand that a proper agreement must be entered into by both parties.This will be done immediately we receive your letter of acceptance.
Please provide;1.Your Full Names:2.Mailing Address(Not P.O
BOX):3:Occupation: 4.Company name(If any)5.Age:Telephone Number:
Yours Faithfully,
Dave Desmond(CEO)
Contemporary Arts Gallery
16 Maengwyn Street- Machynlleth
Powys- SY20 8EB Wales UK
TEL/FAX:+44 7031919775,+44 7031919775
Email:arts_galler@foxmail.com
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Anti-fraud resources: