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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million 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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Jerry Hughes" <jerry_hughes@sify.com>
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:15:12 -0600 (CST)
Subject: How are you?
Dear Friend,
I hereby write this email to you with great sorrow in my heart and heavy
tears in my eyes simply because my Doctor just told me that i will die in
three weeks time.I grew up as an Orphan and so sad that i don't have
anybody/family member to take care of my wealth despite my success in
life.
As a result of this development,i would like to will my money which is
deposited in a financial Institution to you on trust and fearness of God.I
implore you to use the Money judiciously to build charity organizations
for the saints and the needy. I authorize 20% of the total sum in your
favour as compensation and entitlement While 80% of the money should go to
charity organizations and orphanage homes.The total money in question is
$5.5million dollars. I will provide you with other informations once you
indicate your willingness.
Best Regards,
Mr Jerry Hughes.
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Anti-fraud resources:
