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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned 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.
- pt_choki01@yahoo.com (Yahoo; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: PT CHOKI <a939020011@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 02:34:05 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re. Mr. Patricia CHOKI SUBJECT: PROPOSAL FOR FOREIGN BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP
Mr. Patricia CHOKI
87 quartier Bohicon, Cotonou
Republique du Benin
Dear Sir,
SUBJECT: PROPOSAL FOR FOREIGN BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP
I write to seek your cooperation as my foreign partnership and your assistance to enable us to own properties and invest in the stable economy of your country. I apologize if this mail does not suit your personal or business ethics.
My names is MR .PATRICIA CHOKI, I am making this venture to you in strict confidence. If you will like to assist me as a foreign partnership, then indicate your interest after which we shall both discuss on the modalities. All other information to facilitate the investment will be revealed to you in due course. Here is my personalcontact ( pt_choki01@yahoo.com )
Please indicate your personal details.
A swift acknowledgment of your receipt of this mail will be appreciated
Thank you and God bless you.
Kind regards.
Mr Patricia CHOKI (Bank Director,Benin Republic)
Remember to contact me at ( pt_choki01@yahoo.com )
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Anti-fraud resources:
