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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: "Mr. Michael A. Arokodare" <michaeldare14@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 06:17:42 -0800
Subject: FROM MR. MICHAEL A.
Dear Friend,
Thanks, actually I want to have a confidential deal with you. In my
office here I made some money secretly through over-invoicing in the
sales of crude oil. Can you help me to safe-guard this money if it
comes to your country? because I want to invest on a lucrative
business though all based on your advice. The amount is $11M and I am
ready to give you 40% of the total sum if you can assist me in that
regard.
NOTE: this deal is 100% risk and trouble free both now and in future
OK. Let me know if you would be of an assistant to me.
God bless you and hope to hear from you as soon as you get this message.
Regards,
Mr. Michael A
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Anti-fraud resources:
