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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- linda.harry27@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: lindaharry <linda.harry27@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2012 08:53:37 -0800 (PST)
Subject: URGENT FROM LINDA
Hi Dear how are you today i hope that you are doing fine as i am feeling alright also my name is Linda Harry from west l am searching for a real friend that is trust and worthy and caring. a friend who understand the real meaning of love and trust in each other a mature partner that will be faithful to me and will understand that a real love dose not count distance or colour after reading your profile and email at internet i feel a great joy in my heart withing me. i took interest on you despite that i have not seen you in person but your profiles really gave me a nice pleasure to communicate with you. and I hope you will be the true loving, honest partner that I have been looking for, And I have something special to tell you about me please i will like you to reply to me urgently so i will tell you more about my self this is my box above please try to mail me back on my email address (linda.harry27@yahoo.com ) so that i can be able to send you my
pictures, God bless you. Miss Linda
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Anti-fraud resources:
