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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:
- "hundred thousand american 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)
- "lome togo" (a location commonly mentioned 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: cindy conte <cindyconte1@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 23:08:58 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Hello My Friend.
Â
Hello My Friend.
In response to your reply on my previous message to you concerning the deal I want you to handle.
With respect and humility I write you this letter which I believe that you would be of assistance to me.
I am Cindy Conte, the only Daughter of late chief. Johnson Conte from Cote d'Ivoire .l am in Lome Togo presently just because of the problem in my country.I am writing you from Lome Togo where I have been taking refuge after the brutal war and Murder of my parents by the rebels during the renewed Fighting in my country.I am contacting you for your assistance to transfer my only Inheritance Fund Ten Million Seven Hundred Thousand American Dollars, which is currently in one of the financial institution, you will help me to start a new life and Continue my education over there.
I am willing to offer you 20% percent from the total sum for your kind assistance.Send me information’s where this money will be transferred as the bank requested.Your full names, house addresses and phone number.
Yours Sincerely
Cindy Conte.
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Anti-fraud resources:
