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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:
- "million pounds" (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)
- "ceo_websterstephenalex@live.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Dr Webster Stephen Alexander <ceo_websterstephenalex@live.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:41:32 -0800 (PST)
Subject: BUSINESS PROPOSAL
Greetings,
I came across your E-mail contact, and it is my desire to partner with
you in great business that will bring mutual benefits to the both
parties.
I am interested to invest and partner in your business, with
assurance that the security of my capital will be highly secured.
Currently I have 60 Million Pounds that I want to invest in your
country if you are interested to work on this project.
Please kindly get back to me with your full business plan and contact
information via email: ceo_websterstephenalex@live.com
I wait for your response.
Best
Regards,
Engr.Webster Stephen Alexander
CEO Alexandra Plc
28 Clifton Hall Road Newbridge
Edinburgh EH28 8PW,
LONDON.
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Anti-fraud resources:
