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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "00,000.00" (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.
- 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.
- roselinespagno@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mrs.roseline spagnolo" <roselinespagno@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 21 Sep 2013 04:22:10 +0100
Subject: Greetings Dearest Beloved
Greetings Dearest Beloved, I am divinely touched to offer my fortune
to less privilege.
I am a childless widow and as a result of my present situation I have
nothing in mind other than to help the poor according to God direction
and wishes.
I reached you by the special grace of God through email because I can
not speak to your understanding on telephone due to my sickness. I am
suffering from esophageal cancer for years now and have undergone
series of cancer treatments but no avail.
Recently my doctor declared that I have shorter days to live. Likewise
from my daily health report it is also clear to me that I have but
little time to pass on, therefore I wish to offer you my fortune
US$6,200,000.00 to take care of charity work in favor of less
privileges in your country.
The money will go to the charity work. I have come up with a great
confidence for your trust conduct over this solemn work of God after
many prayers. As soon as I receive your reply I will give you the
address of my bank and also instruct them for the release of the money
to you for the charity work.
But I only wished to have your assurance that you will utilize the
money as I have said. I have great interest for the welfare of the
less privilege because I was once an orphan and will not be happy if
any thing comes contrary against the charity work. Please remember my
situation in your daily prayers.
Hoping to receive your reply soon. Here (roselinespagno@yahoo.com)
Yours Sick Sister,
Mrs. Rosaline Spagnolo.
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Anti-fraud resources:
