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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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: coy derek <coyderek@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 12:51:40 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Investment Proposal From Sergeant Derek Coy
Investment Proposal From Sergeant Derek Coy
Hello Dear ,
I'm Sergeant Derek Coy, An American soldier that served in Afghanistan and Iraq I was part of the division that stumbled into Saddam Hussein's storage vault and discovered $890 Million dollars in cash. I was able to divert $25 Million for my personal use and declared the rest to my superiors who diverted some as well; I have deserted the army due to an accident that has left me confined to a wheel chair; I am now searching for a reputable/sincere person for investment purposes.
Please i will compensate you with good percentage of the funds, if you can work with me in truth and honesty then send me your name and telephone number to me for further details.
Regard Sergeant Derek Coy
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Anti-fraud resources:
