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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:
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- 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.
- rev.pastorjohnosnbj@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Sufian Allaw <infoengr541@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 22:02:56 +0100
Subject: Dear long time friend
Dear long time friend
How are you doing today? It is my pleasure to reach you after our
unsuccessful attempt on our business transaction some time ago, I am
obliged and very happy to inform you that I have succeeded in
receiving the funds with the help of a new partner from U.S.A Engr
Sufian Allaw Everything was perfectly done because we strike a deal
with one of the Man Accountant who works with the Benin Ministry of
Finance (B.M.F) and the International Monitory Fund (IMF) in Cotonou
Benin.
Due to your pass effort we have decided to compensate you with the sum
of us$1.700,000.00. united States Dollars in an international ATM VISA
CARD. We did this simply to show appreciation to you for your kind
support because without the your same last name I would have not
gotten to the end.
I left this ATM VISA CARD with the managements of my Pastor a Blessed
man of God Rev. Pastor David A,Johnson.as a parcel for security
reasons pending when you will contact him with instructions of
delivery.
Below are his contacts:
Faith Family Bible Church Benin
Rev. Pastor David A, Johnson
Email: rev.pastorjohnosnbj@hotmail.com
Phone: +229-934-197-01
P.O.Box: 05 Bp 258
Cotonou- Republic du Benin
Forward your contact address where you want your package to be sent to.
Note that I kept this compensation for your tireless efforts and
attempts you showed to assist me. I appreciated your efforts at that
time very much, so feel free and get in touch with my pastor to send
you your ATM
VISA CARD.
Thanks,
Engr Sufian Allaw
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Anti-fraud resources:
