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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:
- "million united state 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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Ms.Anita Kwasi" <anitakwasi@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 00:36:45 +0100
Subject: Please Assist Me
--
Dear ,
I am Ms.Anita Kwasi the daughter of the former Minister. I have the
sum of $5M (Five Million United State Dollars), in Security Company
and my priority is where to invest this fund outside my country. I
urgently need your assistance in providing a reliable and genuine
trade or company where i can invest the fund and immediately meet you
in your country for settlement. Please i will kindly welcome your
advice too.
I need your support and seriousness. I am presently on exile now Your
urgent response is expected.
Regards.
Ms.Anita Kwasi
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Anti-fraud resources:
