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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.
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "MYSTERY SHOPPER TEAM" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mysteryshoppersteam@job4u.com>
Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:58:57 -0700
Subject: WE HAVE A JOB FOR YOU!!!
Hello,
We are accepting applications for qualified individuals to become mystery shoppers. It's fun and rewarding. There is no charge to become a shopper and you do not need any experience and you would be paid $300 for every duty you carryout.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
1. You will receive funding for the assignment.
2. You will receive the Instruction for your assignment via email on the location and details of the assignment.
3. You are to complete the assignment as fast and discreetly as possible.
4. You will be asked to visit a business location to conduct business be it a restaurant, shopping store etc.
PAYMENT TERMS:
You will receive a flat sum of $300 per assignment. The company will furnish you with all expense needed for the assignment and any other expense incurred during the course of executing your assignment.
Note: You are to follow all instructions given to you to the fullest. KINDLY REPLY THIS EMAIL WITH THE UNDER-LISTED INFORMATION TO PROCEED ON YOUR FIRST ASSIGNMENT.
Your Full Name:
Your Full Address (NOT P.O Box):
Occupation:
AGE:
Phone Number(s):
We look forward to working with you.
Your sincerely,
Andrew Wilson
JOB4U
Mystery Shopper(R).
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Anti-fraud resources:
