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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Muhammad Maccido" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <macciddoo@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2009 17:17:04 -0700
Subject: GOOD DAY ( INVESTMENT FOR YOU )
Dear Friend,
I am Ahmed Muhammad Maccido (Senator). from Senate National Assembly
Chambers of Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to honourably request your assistance in helping to
receive amount of money into your account for safe keeping and for furture investment in your country.
By virtue of my position as the chief supervisor of foreign contracts,a large amount of money is avialable in escrow account that I intend to
transfer through you as a foreign partner,this money is as a result of Over provision in the Federal government budget for unpaid contract amount to foreign contractors who executed contract in
the Niger - Delta under Petroleum industry.
This business is risk free as all legal documents will be put in place and would be detailed to you once I have gained your trust and certainty that we
can be friends and trust in you. You would be handsomely rewarded with 40% of the total sum.
You can reach me by return mail,including
(1) Your full names and Age
(2) Your contact address and country of Origin
(3) Your company's name (if any) Your Position Or Occupation
(4) Your confidential telephone (cell) and fax number
(5) Your international passport or Drivers License.
The above information will enable me brief you more details of the transaction and also start the application process/documentation that will lead to the
release of the funds to you through bank to bank transfer.While waiting for your quick response I remain your potential investment partner.
Best Regards,
Ahmed Muhammad Maccido (Senator).
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Anti-fraud resources:
