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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:
- This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "clearance document" (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. )
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "headquater" (this email uses bad English)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Rev Emmanuel Owolabi <directorreviewnnpc2009@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: directorreviewnnpc2009@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2010 11:44:45 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Peace be to you and family,what are you waiting to receive your contract/inheritance funds which has been long over dued?.
Nigeria National Petroluem Coperation Federal Republic Of Nigeria
Abuja Headquaters
(About Your Contract/Inheritance Debt)
Appointed Director For Contract Review Payment Nigeria National Petroluem Coperation[NNPC].
Peace be to you and family,what are you waiting to receive your contract/inheritance funds which has been long over dued?.I have sent you several mail no response as i will soon return back to my Catholic church parish upon clearing all outstanding debt payment by Nigeria Government to beneficiaried/inheritance/contractors as appointed by Head Of State.
Am under appointment by President head of State and Commander in Chief Of Armed Forces Federal Republic Of Nigeria Dr Goodluck E Jonathan GCFR. After going through the records in our office and founded out that you have not been paid your over dued payment which you have waited for long now based on my position you are to reconfirm your mailing address,direct phone number to ascertain your payment immediately.
Your payment will be released by a 'CERTIFIED MASTER/VISA CARD that will be deliver to you within 4 working days as instructed by Head of State No wire Transfer.I have cited your file because we just reviewed your file in our department all clearance documents will be released along with your card payment.
You are to choose the courier service you like DHL UPS FEDEX Couriers immediately as the delivery is free of charge.Upon your response your card will be out and ready.
As i said concerning list of tracking numbers you can track from UPS and Fedex website to confirm people like you who have received their payment successfullyin first/secound quater of the year 2010.
Tracking Number: H7909125721
Tracking Name: E MNAICKER
Click on the Link Below and Put the Tracking number Above;
http://wwwapps.ups.com/WebTracking/track?loc=en_US
Reconfirm the following information to us for security reasons:
Find Attached My Official I.D Card.God Bless You
Regards.
Yours Truly,
Rt Rev Emmanuel Owolabi
234-70-283-983-62
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Anti-fraud resources:
