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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:
- "my names are " (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: Koffi Mensah <koffi01mensah@outlook.com>
Date: Thu, 22 May 2014 18:44:48 +0000
Subject: Investment Offer!
Attention: Sir;
Complement of the day and how are you doing? Based on your information LIST OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES: I'm making this contact:
I know It might astonish you to read from me, My Names are Mr.Koffi Mensah. I am representing the Honorable Minister of Energy and Petroleum Ghana. We have a business that could be brought your way. First I have to state it clearly that this transaction shall be confidential. Base on My boss is a Government official and he will not like the transaction to be known by someone who is not important in this transaction. He is a minister in the government of Ghana! Minister for Energy and Petroleum.
His ministry has a trust fund worth over US$350 Million in a foreign account. He wants us to use about USD$100, Million from this money. We need you to create an investment opportunity in your country that will take up to USD$100, Million in your country.
When you have done this, a payment order will be instructed to your favour. Now go on with the business plan. I shall tell you what shall be done when you come up with this proposal. I shall appreciate it if you will come up early enough.We wait for your response.
Best Regards. Mr.Koffi Mensah.Personal Assistant to the Minister.
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Anti-fraud resources:
