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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr.Paulson Ang" <paul_ang_co@yahoo.com.my>
Reply-To: "Mr.Paulson Ang" <paul_ang_co@mail.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2011 15:48:42 +0800 (SGT)
Subject: important
Dear Sir/Madam,
My name is Paulson Anglord, from Derby, citizen of United Kingdom, Am pleased to write you as I truly need your guide in my investment scheme in your country. I found your email during my investment search so I contacted you on this vital issue which I see as being important in your country through you. I have decided to establish a partnership contact with you for project assistance in your country as soon as we conclude arrangements. There are few basic things I would like you to assist me in;
(1)Company name registration.
(2)Your assistance to carry out feasibility study on lucrative areas/choice of investment that will benefit us.
(3)How much capital will be sufficient.
(4)Security of the investment and continuity.
I shall make prompt arrangements to travel down with the estimated cost of capital as soon as I read from you. Please indicate your full name and your personal phone number so I can reach you.
Thanks for your anticipated honesty.
Yours sincerely,
Mr.Paulson Anglord
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Anti-fraud resources:
