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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)
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Charles Van" <akwiumotorsltd@gmail.com>
Reply-To: charlesgvan@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 15 May 2015 12:58:15 -0700
Subject: Reputable Business Partner!!!
Dear Sir/Madam!
I am sending you this email through the internet with reservations,
basically because you may perceive my intentions wrongly. The issue I
want to unravel to you is a very classified and sensitive one, it may
be very difficult for you to comprehend, but it certainly the truth.
It involves huge sum of Fund US$65.850 Million ( Sixty Five Million
Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars ), which I will
like you to assist me and transfer to you country to establish an
Agricultural, Construction and Alternative Estate development
business.
Indicate you interest by responding to my proposal. For more details.
Yours Sincerely
Mr. Charles Van
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Anti-fraud resources:
