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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million 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)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: elis nyerere <elis.ku.nyerere@gmx.com>
Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 18:40:14 +0200
Subject: MY REGARDS.
Greetings
Dear Friend,
I am Miss ELIS KU, Staff of Bank Of Africa in BENIN COTONOU WEST AFRICA. I
would like you to indicate your interest to receive the transfer of ($5.5
Million Dollars) I will like you to stand as the next of kin to my late client
whose account is presently dormant for claims. if you are interested,indicate
and i will intimate you with the method of application and how you can apply to
the bank .
But before i send to you the text of application form,I will like you to send
me the following informations:
1.NAME IN
FULL:................................
2.ADDRESS:.......................................
3.NATIONALITY:.................................. .
4.AGE:.............................................
5.Sex..............................................
6.OCCUPATION:......................................
7.MARITAL STATUS:..................................
8.PRIAVTE PHONE NO............................................
9.PRIVATE FAX NO:.............................................
10.ATTACH COPY OF YOUR IDENTIFICATION...........................
Best Regards
Miss ELIS KU.
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Anti-fraud resources: