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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)
- "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: Chua Ahmad <chua.ahmadteresa@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2014 20:50:45 +0000
Subject: Be kind and get back to me
Dear Friend,
Although we have never met before but I came across your email through
Google search and It pleases me to contact you. I am writing this mail to
you with heavy tears In my eyes and great sorrow in my heart because of the
circumstances (health issues) in my life. Base on this development I want
to WILL my Fortune to you which is deposited in a bank for charity purpose.
I am in search of a reliable person who will use the Money for charity work
and the I grew up as an Orphan and i don't have anybody or any family
member to take care of my wealth. The total money in question is $11.7
million dollars. I will provide you with other information once you
indicate your willingness to help me. you can write through my private
email: Chua.teresaahmad@gmx.us.
Regards
Chua Teresa Ahmad
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Anti-fraud resources:
