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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:
- "a security company " (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. )
- "the consignment" (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)
- "trunk box" (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)
- "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "god fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mrs.Beauty" <madam_beauty1@hotmail.fr>
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:43:51 -0400
Subject: Hello
--
Hello
This is my second mail to you, my name is Mrs Beauty Candy from Botswana.I
was married to Dr.J.Candy who worked with Botswana embassy in Leshoto for
nine years before he died. We were married for eighteen years with a
child.My Husband died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days.
Since his death Idecided not to re-marry or get a child outside my
matrimonial home.When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of
Fourteen million Eight hundred and sixty five thousand U.S.Dollars in a
security company in Abidjan-Cote D'Ivoire.The money was deposited in a trunk
box as family valuables.
Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next four months
due to cancer Problem. Though what disturbs me most is the stoke,Having
known my condition I decided to look for a God fearing individual that will
utilize this money to the glory of God and to take care of my only child for
better future.I took this decision because my only child is still young and
can not manage this fund by him self, and my husband relatives are not happy
with my husband's wealth when he was alife and through my prayers and the
directions of God i have found out that the hands of my late husband's
people are in the death of my hudband and I will never allow my husband's
hard earned money to be misused by evil men. I don't want a situation where
this money will be used in an ungodly manner, hence the reason for taking
this bold decision.
As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Security
company in Abidjan where my late husband deposited the consignment. Any
delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing for another person for
this same purpose. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I
stated herein and you will take care of my only child. Hoping to hear from
you soon.
Kind Regards
Mrs Beauty.
________________________________________________
Message sent using UebiMiau 2.7.9
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