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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 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)
- "you are advise to" (this email uses bad English)
- "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. John Oluchi" <john.oluchi@yandex.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 18:56:32 +0100
Subject: ATM Master Prepared Card.
I am John Oluchi Mr., a consultant here in Nigeria, I am pleased to inform
you that the United Nations through the support of World Bank have release
your part payment of $6.5 Million Dollars via ATM Master Prepared Card.
Your ATM Master Prepared Card is available and ready for delivery, you are
advise to get back to me with your receiving address and direct mobile
number.
Here is my Mobile Number you can send your address via sms: +2348169536786
Best Regards,
Mr. John Oluchi
JU-Consult
67 Victoria City
Abuja, Nigeria
Email:john.oluchi@yandex.com
Phone: +2348169536786
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Anti-fraud resources:
