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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)
- "waiting for your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Kevin W. Fenwick" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <kevinfenwick@contractor.net>
Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 09:40:44 -0700
Subject: From: Fenassociate Chamber esq
Dear Sir/Madam,
I wish to let you know that I have a client who wants to invest in your
country.I will give you more details and how much he wishes to invest, if
you
will assure us that you are a reliable Investor, If you can handle this
Investment Procurement , please get back to ASAP to discuss more and I
will study your Feasibility appraisal.
Note that a fully signed and stamped Memorandum of Understanding with
Probate of Seal will be initiated in this business venture to aid
inguiding both parties' commitments in this transaction.
Kindly send me the below in formations for my perusal:
1. Your Complete Full Names
2. Your Residential Address
3. Your age and Occupation
4. Your Phone and Fax Numbers for Easy and Faster Communication.
Thanks for your assistant and God bless you abundantly.I am waiting for
your urgent response. Gratefully treat as urgent.
Thank you.
Kevin William Fenwick
PS* The client is willing to make available the fund to your possession
and in your country within 7 days of confirmation of your capabilities
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Anti-fraud resources:
