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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:
- "good day friend" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- "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: "Mr. James Kadiogo" <james.kadiogo56@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 22:11:55 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: CAN I TRUST YOU?
 Good day Friend,
How are you today? I hope that this email meets you in good health? I am Mr. James Kadiogo and a well placed personnel in a reputable Bank here in Burkina Faso (West Africa) and during the 27 years old leadership of the defunt Government of our Country under the ousted president Blaise Compaore, I have overseen millions of dollars transferred under my office to different countries of the World for undisclosed reasons but we are powerless to ask certain questions.
The new Government is on a random seizure and closure of accounts connected to the defunt Goverment and I happen to be aware of the sum of US$11.8 Million dollars in a classified account in my department and I want to transfer this money into your account if you are ready to cooperate with me. Further details shall be given to you upon receipt of your response.
Awaiting your quick response.
Best Regards
Mr. James Kadiogo.
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Anti-fraud resources:
