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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (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: "Fred Kuti" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <fredkuti001@outlook.com>
Date: Sun, 8 Feb 2015 10:32:06 -0600
Subject: DEAR:SIR/MADAM.....( BUSINESS CONSULTATION)
Dear Sir/madam,
I want to use this medium of communication to introduce myself to you . I am Mr. Fred Kuti, retired Nigeria National Petroleum Co-Operation (NNPC) contract award Chairman. I'm interested in investing multi Million Dollars in your country in any lucrative business via your directions but to actualize my aim, I need a reliable and trustworthy foreigner to work with as my business partner.
The total amount to be invested will be disclosed to you and the source once I receive your positive responses to assist. Also Percentage for your interest to assist will also be discussed. Confirm your interest by forwarding this information to me.
1: Your Full Name
2: Residence address
3: Contact mobile and phone number.
4: Occupation
5: Marital status
Thanks for your anticipated co-operation.
Best regards
Mr.Fred Kuti.
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Anti-fraud resources:
