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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "is 100% risk free" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- harold.kalid@yahoo.com.vn (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: JAMES from Aglo securities <jamesaglosecurities@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2014 15:31:28 -0700
Subject: harold.kalid@yahoo.com.vn
Dear Sir,
I know you will be very surprise in receiving this mail. But please do not
be surprise for any reason as your country has been in my dream for
investment. And I really want to invest in real estate or directly into
your company. But If you wish that you have other investment that will
bring a very good return, I will also welcome it. I am Mr. Harold Kalid and
I have this US$3.5M that I will like to invest in your country by your
advice. This said amount is 100% risk free and also free from any ILLEGAL
activities. And your benefit will be discussed after
receiving your reply. Reply for more details.
I will be waiting for your reply. reply only on (harold.kalid@yahoo.com.vn)
Regards,
Kalid
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Anti-fraud resources:
