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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:
- This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "will come to you as a surprise" (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: Miss Linda <lin_da20@bigmir.net>
Reply-To: Miss Linda <linda.dada19@mail333.com>
Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2014 15:19:33 +0100
Subject: Hello i need your assistance please
Dearest,
I know that my message will come to you as a surprise since i don`t know you or have met you in person, But i believe that someone will help one another in times of need.
I am Linda Dada, the only Daughter of Late Dr Ben Dada, who was murdered with my Mother and Brother during the Election period by opposition party.
I am presently in a refugee camp because of the wicked relations and uncles.Before he died at the hospital he told me that he have six million five hundred thousand ($ 6.5m) that i should use it for investment and to complete my studies.
Please i need your assistance to transfer this money to you for my education and investment before my uncles and wicked opposition people get hold of me and the money.
I shall forward to you the necessary details on confirmation of your acceptance to help me for the transfer and also make arrangement for me to travel and join you in your country.
Best regard
Linda Dada
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Anti-fraud resources:
