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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:
- "hundred thousand us 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: "Helena McGillivray" (may be fake)
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 17:40:51 -0600
Subject: Re:
Dear,
I am Mrs. Helena McGillivray and i got your contact on my personal search of the person i want to Will my wealth to. I want to Will the sum of five million five hundred thousand us dollars to you, that is the only funds left in my account right now. if you want to know why i want Will it to you and you want it to be transferred to you please write me to my private email . helena360@outlook.com
Right now i am in the hospital emailing you with my laptop computer and i will tell you my story as soon as i hear from you. Thank you for your understanding.
God Bless you
Mrs. Helena McGillivray
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Anti-fraud resources:
