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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:
- "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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Mrs. Josephine GAUTHIER <josephine-gauthier@mail.mn>
Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:12:09 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: My proposal
Good day
I am Mrs. Josephine GAUTHIER. 58yrs old widow, my husband and I worked
with Petro-Ivoire oil Cote d'Ivoire before he died seven years ago, I
am writing you this message on my sick bed at the hospital where I am
undergoing medical treatment I have been diagnosed of Endometrial
cancer unfortunately for me my doctor said I don't have any chance to
survive except by a miracle I have spent a lot of money on medical
treatment yet no improvement.
I want you to stand as beneficiary to the sum of my 4.5 Million
(Four Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) I want to
donate this money to support the vulnerable, less privileged children
and widows by building orphanages in your country so if you are willing
and capable to receive this money please I will like you to contact me
today.
Regards.
Mrs. Josephine GAUTHIER
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Anti-fraud resources:
