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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:
- "consignment " (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)
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- 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.
- diplomatagent427@yahoo.com (Yahoo; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Diplomat Mr. William Brown " <007@Slater009.onmicrosoft.com>
Reply-To: <diplomat_mr.williambrown@yahoo.in>
Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 11:01:13 +0530
Subject: Very Urgent,your to get back to us and claim your consignment
Good Day To you And Your Family I hope All Are Well.
I¡¯m Diplomat Mr. William Brown From UPS Courier Company India just to inform you about my successful arrived In Los Angeles CA usa. with your two boxes of consignment I was arrested by u.s.a FBI in Los Angeles CA,due to you never provide me the bill of lading papers.
That was why you did not hear from me since.now the only money you have to send here to enable me enter your street is the fees of $195.00and I will be entering your home in next 5 hrs. So do send me your full information correct address and Phone number before I can move further with your picture.Here is my cell phone to contact me.8324478395) So you have to contact me with this email address (diplomatagent427@yahoo.com ) The fee to obtain the bill of lading is only $195.Contact me for more information regarding your funds. Thanks
Regard
Mr. William Brown
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Anti-fraud resources:
