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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:
- ",000,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "koch_gic@ymail.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Christopher S." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <christopherandrew480@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2014 12:31:49 +0100
Subject: RE: Loan/Investor Available. Apply now
I am a retired chartered accountant and broker to investors who are ready to partner in projects, business and give loans to prospective individuals/companies.
My investors are looking to fund any lucrative businesses and projects. My investor finance programs are unmatched as they are ready to fund serious and financially stimulated
businesses not above $100,000,000.00.
Send me a PM of your business proposal or link me to a website. We seek individuals who already have a business and are successful as well as individuals/coperate entities who
have a solid business plan. I will review and agree only to the most promising and enticing business proposals provided to me.
Please be as detailed as possible and PDF files are more than welcome for a review. So take advantage of either our individual and coperate loan package for smaller amounts or
full investor program to finance your major projects.
Thank you in advance for a good working relationship. All replies should be directed to koch_gic@ymail.com
Best regards,
Christopher S.
DRE # 01070999
Professional LLP®/Registered ACC
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Anti-fraud resources: