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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:
- "western union" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "await your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
- 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.
- mysstyshstone@aol.com (AOL; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Samuelson Stone" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jsmsecret@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 13:25:37 -0400
Subject: Become A Mystery Shopper Today
We have a mystery shopping assignment in your area and we would like you to participate.
Mystery Shopper is accepting applications for qualified individuals to become mystery shoppers. It's fun and rewarding, and you choose when and where you want to shop.
You are never obligated to accept an assignment. There is no charge to become a shopper and you do not need previous experience.
Mystery Shopper NEVER charge fees to become a shopper, mystery shoppers are paid a prearranged fee
for a particular shop, We have available for immediate assignment an inspection of the customer service of any Western Union in your area. This fee will be paid upfront. During this shop you will visit the
location and make several observations as regards the customer service. You will be required to interact with the shop clerk. You may conduct the shop alone or as a couple.
The assignment will pay $150.00/ assignment.
Kindly Fill Out the application form below and we will get back to you shortly with the assignment.
You can also send the below required information as plain text email.
PERSONAL INFORMATION;
First Name:
Middle Name:
Last Name:
Mailing address (Not PO Box):
City, State, Zip Code:
Cell Phone Number:
Home Phone Number:
Age:
Current Occupation:
Alternate Email Address:
AVAILABILITY: Days/Hours Available;
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Hours Available:
We await your urgent response.
Thank you for your help. We look forward to working with you.
Regards,
Samuelson Stone
Human Resources Manager
Research Process Inc.
Time: 24 Hours daily by E-mail
Mystery Shopper®
mysstyshstone@aol.com
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Anti-fraud resources:
