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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:
- "the consignment" (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)
- "consignment " (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)
- "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "diplomatic security company" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "god fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Alanah Gbagbo <alanahgbagbo@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:01:24 +0000
Subject: Hello Dear Greetings
Hello Dear Greetings,
I got your contact address through a reliable source in my search for a
reliable and trustworthy person who will assist me in a businessinvestment
venture in your country. I am Mrs Alanah Gbagbo Allure, the wife of Mr
Gbagbo Allure the former president of Cote D'ivoire Abidjan located in the
west africa.
My husband was presently impeached from office by a backed uprising of mass
demonstrators and the senate. During my husband's regime as president of
Cote D'ivoire, I realised US$17.540 millions of dollars from various
contract projects I
executed successfully.
I had planned to invest this money for my children's future on real estate
and industrial production. My husband is not aware of this because I wish
to do it secretely for now. Before my husband was impeasched from office, I
concretely and secretely deposited this money and declared it computer
ledger cards with diplomatic security company that transports valuable
goods/consignment through diplomatic courier service to their offshore
offices. The consignment which are contained in the two trunks are declared
are owned by my foreign business partners.
I wish to discuss how much I will offer you if you will be willing to
assist me claim the money and invest it in your country. I want to assure
you that all modalities are put inplace and it is a risk free transaction.
I'm trusting you as a God fearing person who will not sit on my life saving
fund. This business demands absolute secrecy and confidentiality, thus all
communications for now should be through e-mail because all my phone lines
are connected to the cote d'ivoire telecommunication network services. I
will furnish you with more details when I receive your positive response.
Expecting your urgent reply.
Thanks
Best regards,
Mrs Alanah Gbagbo Allure.
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