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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:
- "clearance letter" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- 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.
Fraud email example:
From: "KEN PETERS" <kenpeters204@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:15:58 -0300 (BRT)
Subject: YOUR BANK DRAFT PAYMENT IS READY FOR DISPATCH CALL ME +234 705 509
5404.
Sequel to the death of our formal president Umaru Musa Yaradua,the newly
elected president Dr Good Luck Jonathan meet with the Federal Executive
Council concerning all outstanding Foreign Contractor' payment, all
awaiting payment has been remitted in Bank Draft issued from Standard
Chattered Bank New York This Draft is payable to any bank of your choice
and clearance is 48 hours. A copy of Clearance Letter endorsed by the
Secretary of States and the Accountant General of Federation accompanies
this Draft which reveals the contractors secret code for smooth payment.
This decision was reached as the fastest way to offset all outstanding
debts. All genuine Contractors fund has been released via this means.
Please forward immediately your full Name,Your Cell Phone And Postal
Address for easy dispatch of your International Bank Draft of
$520,000.00USD Bank Draft.
Note: Any Contractor who fails to utilize this opportunity might have to
wait till June 2011 to receive his funds if ever again. This is when a new
administration will commence operation.
Regards.
Mr.Ken Peters. +234 705 509 5404
(Adviser To The Presidency On Special Duties)
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Anti-fraud resources:
