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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 message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- komsbenerd@yahoo.fr (Yahoo, France; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Benerd Koms <koms.benerd1@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2015 15:25:13 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Re: we can reach an agreement
Dear Good Friend,
I know you might be surprised receiving my message.There isÂ
however no reason to be apprehensive as all I request isÂ
for your co-operation to have the sum of Six million EuroÂ
transferred out of the bank located in Benin Republic.
I am an Attorney;a deceased client of mine that shares theÂ
same last name as yours, died as a result of aÂ
heart-related condition Leaving behind the aboveÂ
deposit.Everything regarding the transaction is alreadyÂ
perfected, so you should please email me with the followingÂ
information:
1. Full Names2. Address (physical)3. Telephone numbers and fax (if applicable)4. Occupation and positionSo that we can reach an agreement and kick-start theÂ
transaction.
Yours Sincerely,Barrister Koms Benerd.
          Reply to my private e-mail:Â
komsbenerd@yahoo.fr
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Anti-fraud resources:
