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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:
- "% commission" (Beware of any scheme that involves depositing checks or money orders or receiving wire transfers in your bank account and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere, for a percentage of 5-15% of the total. Such offers are *always* fraudulent and you will be liable for the entire amount when the checks, money orders or wire transfers turn out to be fraudulent. Any money already forwarded comes out of *your* pocket then. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Steven Opoku" (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 19 May 2011 07:59:14 -0700
Subject: RE: ALLUVIAL GOLD DUST OFFER FOR SALES
Attn:Sir/Madam
ALLUVIAL GOLD DUST OFFER FOR SALES
WE ARE GOLDMINE INVESTMENT CO.LTD, WE EXPORT RAW COTTON MATERIAL & WE OFFER ALLUVIAL GOLD DUST FOR SALES.
We are pleased to make this offer of our product under the penalty of perjury and with full cooperate and legal responsibility to the following terms and conditions.
1. Product: AU Metal (Gold)
2. Origin: Accra-Ghana in West Africa
3. Type: Alluvial
4. Purity: 22.5 Carat or 92%
5.Quantity: 100-550 kilos
6.Price: $21,000 per kg
PROCEDURES:
One representative of the buyer is suppose to come down to Accra-Ghana, for the inspection and random sampling of our Gold Bars. or make plans for the golds to be ship to his/her destination. We look forward to establishing a long lasting business relationship with you.
NOTE :
In the event you do not buy gold, be kind enough to forward our contact email to a Gold Buyer. As our Agent we are ready to give 7.5% commission of the total purchase if you can connect us to a gold buyer.
I am expecting your reply soonest with your personal information as follow:
(1) Your Full Name:.................
(2) Your Full Address:..............
(3) Your Phone Number:..............
(4) Your Company Name:................
(5) Your Age:.......................
(6) Your Nationality:...............
Thanks
Mr. Steven Opoku,
Marketing Manager Of GOLDMINE INVESTMENT CO.LTD.
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Anti-fraud resources:
