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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:
- "here in london united kingdom" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- kelvinmagus@yahoo.com (Yahoo; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "patorpet@yahoo.com" <kelvinmagus@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:00:00 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: NANNY NEEDED
My Dear,
My name is Kelvin Janet Magus and I am Fourth years old, I work in an Oil and
Gas company (GUPAL OILS)here in London United Kingdom.
My wife is a busy person and working with hsbc bank.
I am looking for an au pair to be a big sister to my children and to
become another member of my family.
I have decided to find an au pair because I need someone who
will look after my child with some light housework.
I have two lovely kids a boy and a girl, I do not have any pet and I do
not smoke. I have a fun lovely young child looking for a kind heated fun
au pair to mix in with.
If you are interested and would consider being our au pair please contact me.
Yours sincerely
Kelvin Janet Magus.
(kelvinmagus@yahoo.com)
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Anti-fraud resources:
