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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:
- "huge deposit" (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)
- "utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Mrs.Gifty Lamptey <mrsgiftylamptey33@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2015 11:51:17 +0000
Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Season=92s_G?= =?Windows-1252?Q?reetings_o?=
=?Windows-1252?Q?f_Peace_fr?= =?Windows-1252?Q?om:_Mrs.Gi?=
=?Windows-1252?Q?fty_Lampte?= =?Windows-1252?Q?y.?=
Greetings my dear,
How are you and your family,
hope everything is well with you? I am aware that we do not know ourselves
personally; I am Mrs.Gifty Lamptey widow of late business man Hon. David
Lamptey.Since the death of my husband life has never being the same again because
his brothers and close relatives has made my life very miserable by accusing me
of killing my husband for his wealth and dragging me to court all in effort to
deprive me what rightfully belongs to me and they have almost succeeded in
taking everything away from me and my children except the huge deposit my
husband made in a Security & finance company in London, United Kingdom
which they are not aware and the covering documents are safe with me. I will
need your assistance to process this fund and transfer it to your private or
company's account while my children prepare to meet you in your country for the
investment of the amount in your country. My area of business interest would be
on real estate and Restaurant. You will be nicely compensated for your effort
in any financial assistance and personal expenses you may encounter in the
course of this transaction. I will also accept any business that you may
suggest that would be viable in your country or elsewhere. If you find this
offer interesting, please email or call me with your details +233574751926. I
am expecting your response as soon as possible. Please I want this matter to be
handled with your utmost confidentiality if you accept to help my family.
Kind regards,
Mrs.Gifty Lamptey
(For the family)
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Anti-fraud resources:
