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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:
- "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)
- "30% for you " (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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
- 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.
- +221777302346 (Senegal, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
Fraud email example:
From: "Lama Lumbar" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <lamalumbar@ymail.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:43:30 +0200
Subject: Assalam Aleikunm
Attn: Director/CEO
Dear Sir,
I would like to apply through this letter for your express co-operation
and to secure in your position an opportunity to move large quantity
of GOLD and DIAMOND that worth $125 Million ( One hundred and
twenty five million United State Dollars) at the international market price
these DIAMONDS and GOLD was secretly made to be sold to Israeli
government through me by the late President Lansana Conté, before
he was murdered by his own military chief. I am the only person who
knows about this deal as I was the personal aide to the President.
The treasure is now in an undisclosed place, known just by me
ready to be moved to your position as soon as you indicate your interest
in this proposal. But at the moment am under cover, that's why I need
you to use your good name to secure the items as the original owner and
we share it 70/30. that is 30% for you and 70% for me. You have nothing
to fear as there is no risk involved and I shall guide you till the end of the
Deal when I shall arrive to your country for sharing of the treasures.
I am looking forward to your urgent and positive response for us to
discuss details.
Best regards,
Mr. Lumbar.
Tel: +221-777302346.
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