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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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Razaq Gideon Gono <gg.razaq@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 2013 02:18:07 +0400
Subject: Proposition.
Dear Friend
We have never met before and I have no justifiable reason to contact you
this way. I do
urge you to listen to me and not pass judgment.
I would like to greet and also ask you about your present health. I hope
you are doing very well.
Indeed I am Mr. Razaq Gideon Gono The son Mr. Gideon Gono of the Republic
of Zimbabwe
Gideon Gono is the governor of the central bank and the Minister of finance
of the Republic of ZIMBABWE. Since the death of my Mother, we have been
having a serious family and political problems with my father; I am an
assylum seeker in England.
I intend to invest in your country, in any beneficial full development
projects; from my research I got your address via the internet..
My late Mother deposited a large sum of money in the Bank so I am searching
for an honest person whom can partner with me in terms of investment.
If you are interested with my proposal and that God accepts that we
collaborate together, be aware that this is a big secret and you have to be
very discrete but if not I urge you in the name of God to hold your peace.
You can contact me through the same e-mail. Thank you, and may almighty God
bless and protect you.
Thank you.
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Anti-fraud resources:
