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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 next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: peterkoffi <peterkoffi@qq.com>
Date: Mon, 19 May 2014 12:53:04 +0200
Subject: Dear Friend,
Dear Friend,
I am Peter Koffi, from Togo. I solicit for your kind attention to assist me
retrieve the sum of (USD$4.5 Million) into your bank account. I got your
contact through a Global Network and I decided to communicate with you in a
good faith. I cannot operate it alone without using a Foreigner who will
act as a partner to my late client and legitimate beneficiary to the fund
due to my position. I was mandated by the bank to provide the next of kin
to inherit the fund of my late client.
I will advise you to keep this transaction secret to yourself alone. If you
are interested to assist me urgently reply so that I will give you more
details. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate
arrangement that will protect both of us.
Your full name is needed------------
Home or office address-------
Cell phone no---------
Age----
Occupation--------
Email-----------
I will want you to send the requested information to this email address for
easy communication.
With best regards
peter koffi.
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Anti-fraud resources:
