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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "please indicate your willingness" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million 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: "Mr. Amos Cudjoe" <mramos.cudjoe@yandex.com>
Date: Sat, 7 Dec 2013 03:32:06 -0800
Subject: URGENT RESPOND NEEDED FROM YOU
URGENT RESPOND NEEDED FROM YOU
Dear Friend,
This message might meet you in utmost surprise. However, it's just my
urgent need for foreign partner that made me to contact you for this
transaction. I assured you honesty and reliability to champion this
business opportunity when i prayed to God about you. I am a banker by
profession in Accra-Ghana,and currently holding the post Accounting Manager
in our bank Stanbic Bank of Ghana.
I have the opportunity of transferring the left over funds ($18.9 Million
Dollars) of one of my bank clients who died along with his entire family on
31st January 2003 in a plane crash.
I am inviting you for a business deal where this money can be shared
between us in the ratio of 50/50 if you agree to my business proposal.
Further details of the transfer will be forwarded to you as soon as i
receive your return mail immediately as soon as you receive this letter.
Please indicate your willingness by sending the below information for more
clarification and easy communication and call me immediately.
(1) FULL NAME ............
(2) CONTACT ADDRESS .................
(3) TEL AND FAX NUMBER ........
(4) OCCUPATION ..................
(5) AGE ...
(6) COUNTRY..................
(7) MARITAL STATUS ....................
Hoping to hear from you as soon as possible.
Regards
Mr. Amos Cudjoe
Mobile: +233-231-246-343
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Anti-fraud resources:
