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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Caroline Colman" <carolinecolman01@hoymujer.com>
Date: Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:56:14 +0200 (EET)
Subject: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!
I Miss Caroline Colman the only daughter of Dr Phillip Colman from
Sierre-Leone country.I lost my parent and my late father Dr Phillip Colman
made a deposit of money and the amount is USD$4M dollars in Abidjan Cote
d'Ivoire.
I am presently in Abidjan where the money was been deposited and i want
you to help me in receiving the money on my behalf as my chosen trustee
guardian because my late father told me incase if he died that i should
look for someone who has a legitimate bank account abroad to help me claim
the money as i am still young.
As soon as i hear from you on the readness to assist me,I will send you
the full details.
I believe you as an advanced person that you will not betray the trust i
impose on you at the end of the transfer into your personal or Company's
bank account.
I make up my mind to give you 10% of the total sum for your assistance.
Please bellow is my alternative email address
Email: carolinecolman@moviles.com
I am wishing you a long life and happy new year
Thanks and remain bless.
Waiting for your urgent reply
Yours lovely
Miss Caroline Colman.
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Anti-fraud resources:
