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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:
- "the 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)
- "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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: From idris cherif <cherif.idris11@gmail.com>
Reply-To: idris.cherif@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:42:30 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: From Cherif Idris
>From Cherif Idris
I am from Sierra Leone. i am writing you from Rep of Ghana where i am taking refuge after the brutal war and murder of our parents by the rebels during the renewed fighting in our country.
Because of the war our late Father sold his shipping company and took us to a nearby country Ghana where he deposited (US$12, Million in a privet SECURITY COMPANY)here in Ghana.the current political situation in Ghana, i am seeking for your assistance to help me for the consignment to your country if you will not betray me when the money gets into your country for investment so i can also relocate to your country to further my education and i am to willing offer you 25% of the total money for your help.
Cherif Idris
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Anti-fraud resources:
