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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 friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "hundred thousand 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)
- "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- "sanniahmed@secretarias.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr.Anthony Mark" <nfo@ukgb.com>
Reply-To: sanniahmed@secretarias.com
Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2013 01:45:39 +1100
Subject: Dear Friend
Dear Friend.
Due to your effort, sincerity, courage and trust worthiness you showed a
the course of the transaction I want to compensate you and show my
gratitude to you with the sum of US$1.4M. (One Million Four Hundred
Thousand United States Dollars) I have authorized the finance house where
I deposited my
money to issue you international certified bank draft cashable at your bank.
My dear friend I will like you to contact the finance house for the
collection of this international certified bank draft. The name and
contact
address of the Person with your Cheque Alhaji Sanni Ahmed, is as follows.
COMPENSATION AND FINANCE HOUSE HEAD OFFICE
COMPENSATION OFFICER: Alhaji Sanni Ahmed
EMAIL: sanniahmed@secretarias.com
At the moment, I am very busy here in Cay Man Islands because of the
investment projects which myself and my new partner are having at hand.
Finally, remember that I have forwarded instruction to the finance house
on your behalf to send the bank draft to you as soon as you contact them
without delay. Please I will like
you to accept this token with good faith as this is from the bottom of my
heart. Thanks and God bless you and your family. Hope to hear from you
soon.
My sincere advice to you as as christian is that you should endeavour to
pay your tithe to a bible believing church when you get the funds.
Finally I wish you and your entire family a happy and prosperous new year.
Yours Faithfully
Mr Anthony Mark.
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