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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:
- "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "transfer into your account" (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)
- "you are advise to" (this email uses bad English)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: DENISE BROWN <natwestswift@accountant.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:48:31 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: YOUR URGENT REPLY IS NEEDED
NATWEST BANK
FROM THE DESK OF
DR DENISE BROWN
TEL = 44 -790-113-1928
attention Sir
This is to bring to your notice that they president of nigeria has appointed our bank which is natwest bank here in london to pay you your fund today ,We wish to inform you that your fund will be transfer into your account as soon as you comply with the following instruction.
You are advise to recomfirm your banking information to avoid wrong transfer and you are also advise to call me on +44-790-113-1928 to enable us release your fund today .
You are advise to contact me on +44-790-113-1928 and i am the head of international remittance /accountant of natwest bank and my name is DENISE BROWN.
Urgent response is needed.
Yours in service
Dr denise brown
International remittance
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Anti-fraud resources:
