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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:
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "i have a new email address!" (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "certified bank draft" (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.
- 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.
- +22993138769 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
- 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.
- mrwilliam_abu20@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
- mrsblssing@hotmail.com
Fraud email example:
From: Mr William <mrwilliam_abu20@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:58:34 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Hello My Good Friend
I have a new email address!You can now email me at: mrwilliam_abu20@yahoo.com
- Hello My Good Friend How are you today? Hope all is well with you and your family? I am using this opportunity to inform you that this multi-million-dollar business has been concluded with the assistance of another partner from Chile who financed the transaction to a logical conclusion. Due to your effort,sincerity,courage and trust worthiness You showed during the course of the transaction. I have left a certified Bank Draft. for you worth of $1,300,000.00 cashable anywhere in the world Contact ........Mrs Blssing Account Officer, Bank of Africa Plc, Cotonou, Benin Republic Tel: +229-93138769 His email address:.......( mrsblssing@hotmail.com )Therefore, you should send him yourfull Name and telephone number/your correct mailing address where you want himto send the draft to you, or your account information for depositing the Bank Draft. Thanks and God bless you and your family. Hoping to hear from you assoon as you cash your Bank Draft. Mr.William
Anti-fraud resources:
