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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:
- "executive governor" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "central bank of nigeria" (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 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.
- +2348083626382 (Nigeria, 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.
- slscbn@sify.com (Sify; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: <us19682us@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: <slscbn@sify.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:54:10 +0800
Subject: Your Payment Ready.
I am Sanusi L. Sanusi, Governor Central Bank of Nigeria appointed few months ago, having reviewed the
handover notes of my Predecessor I wish not to dicredit him but I stand to be corrected that some of his
policies created room for a lot of fraudulent activities and created unnecessary bereaucratic bottleneck
making it difilcult for beneficiaries like you getting their fund.
I will try as much as I can to rectify some of these injustice and release your fund but it is not going to be
business as usual as I will not hesitate to Cancel your payment where you are found wanting.The federal
Government is not a charity Organisation where Millions are paid out without proper Accountability therefore
be prepared to obey the rules as regard your payment. Due to the Worldwide Economicrecession
only $2.5Million shall be paid to you at this first installmental payment and the balance will be paid in the
next quarter. You can send your telephone numberand full details for my Personal Assistant to call you
so that we can confirm that you receive this message.
You can reach me on Phone number: +234--8083-626382 and Email: slscbn@sify.com.
Mallam. Sanusi L. Sanusi
Executive Governor CBN.
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