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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:
- "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)
- This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
Fraud email example:
From: judith morrison <judithmorrison_100@att.net>
Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2010 03:01:15 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Dear Beloved
Dear Beloved
I am sending you this email in good faith I am Judith Morrison now undergoing medical treatment for cancer. I was married to Mr. Brown Morrison who worked with Namibia embassy in Malaysia for many years before his death in 2007, we both made a deposit of some amount of money worth $6.5M in a consignment with a bank and financial institution in North America.Recently, my Doctor told me that I have few months to live due to cancer problem.
Having known my condition I have decided to donate this fund to you so that you can use it to build an orphanage home in your Country to help less privilege.
With the help of my lawyer my doctor will issue you a Letter of Authority from the Court naming you the original Beneficiary of these funds. Please send all response strictly to my email below: mail:mrsmorrisonjudith(at)gmail.com
In His Arms.
Mrs. Judith Morrison
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Anti-fraud resources:
