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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:
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "loan applicant" (Beware of fake loan offers. Real lenders would not normally use free webmail addresses such as Yahoo, nor would they lend to individuals or small businesses in a different country from where they are based. Beware of mobile phones or redirector numbers!)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
Fraud email example:
From: "HARRINGTON AND SMITH ASSOCIATE" <ambroseocean@harringtonsmithlaw.com>
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2013 09:50:09 +0100
Subject: CHAMBERS OF HARRINGTON & SMITH ASSOCIATE
CHAMBERS OF HARRINGTON & SMITH ASSOCIATE
Barristers and Solicitors-At-Law
Loan Consultancy, Real Estate
Contact Address: Plot 22 Eaton Avenue,High Wycombe,Bucks. P12 3BS.
Website: http://harringtonsmithlaw.com
Phone: +44 745 224 0124 Fax: +44 844 774 9564
Loan Applicant:
This is in regard to all pending loan application with our office; I have been directed by my office to inform you of the need to re indicate your interest in the loan application or to decline the application so we can officially cancel your application from our data base, or better still contact the loan paying bank to conclude all application process with them to enable them release the said loan.
Note that this became important as the year runs to an end and we are reviewing all transactions for the year to enable us balance our account so we can start a New Year account.
It is important that you respond to this email as failure to do so will automatically disqualify you of your pending loan application with the Harrington and Smith associate.
I await your response soonest.
Have a nice day
Ambrose Ocean
Harrington and Smith Associate
+447452240124
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Anti-fraud resources:
