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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:
- "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: "DEANS COURT CHAMBERS" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <markturner_qc@uk2.net>
Date: Wed, 6 Nov 2013 03:00:23 +0100
Subject: VERY IMPORTANT
Attention:
If you did not receive my email, I am sending again.
See below:
Our deceased client listed you as heir in his Last Will and Testaments. We therefore wish to process this inheritance in your name. We expect you to immediately confirm all necessary identification and contact details to enable us proceed. These should include full names, scanned valid identification, contact numbers and full address.
Details of your inheritance will be released to you after being fully registered as client with the firm to accord you full rights of beneficiary.
Thank you.
Mark Turner QC
Head of Chambers
Deans Court Chambers
24 St. John Street
Manchester M3 4DF
DX: 718155 Manchester 3
United Kingdom
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This communication may contain any discussion of legal matters, hence should be taken as an authoritative interpretation of the law.
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Anti-fraud resources:
