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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:
- "million united states dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "contract award committee" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Dr John Ibeh" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <drjohnibeh1978@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 03:38:25 -0700
Subject: Re: I Need Your Assistance!!
Dear Partner,
Compliments of the day for you and your entire family.I am the president of the Contract Award Committee, Ministry of Petroleum Resources Nigeria, I am Directed to look for an agent to help us in the transfer of (U.S. $ 35 million) THIRTY - FIVE MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS. This money was part of the contract we awarded to some foreign companies duly executed and paid.I will be happy to present you as the beneficiary of this U.S. $ 35 million and then use the money to invest in property in any country of your choice.
You will be required to:
(1) Assist in the transfer and receiving the said amount into your bank account.
(2) Advise on lucrative areas for investment.
(3) assist us in purchasing homes.
If you decide to transfer your service to us in this regard, 30% of the total amount offered to you.Be advised to provide below listed information's to enable me advise you further upon transfer of this money to you.
1.Your Full Names:
2.Your Contact address:
3.Your personal phone number:
Please, quickly get back to me to let me know if you are willing to help me.
Sincerely,
Dr. John Ibeh
Contract Award Committee Chairman} {CCAC)
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Anti-fraud resources:
