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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:
- "dormant account" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Chin Hoo <chinhoo122@yahoo.cn>
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:12:51 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Similar surname with you
Attention ,I am Chin Hoo, Principal Assurance manager for a reputable Bank in Hong Kong. I am contacting you with regards to business transaction I want us to execute,it is in respect to a dormant account which amounts to Twelve Million, Four Hundred Thousand Euros belonging to my late client who shares similar Surnames with you.I was given an ultimatum from the Bank to provide a member of his family and all efforts to locate any has been proven Unsuccessful.I want to present you as a surviving family member to enable you put a claim to the funds.Please kindly indicate your interest for more informationYours faithfully,Chin Hoo
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Anti-fraud resources:
