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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:
- "registration fee" (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. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
- mr_johnopi@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr.John Opi" <r.pet00008@gmail.com>
Reply-To: johntradingagency@hotmail.com
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2015 15:26:25 +0000
Subject: INQUIRY SUPPLY OF YOUR PRODUCTS
Dear:Sir/Madam,
I will like to know if your company can handle the contract supply of
your company product with the Ghana Government there is an ongoing
tender for the supply of various items here in Accra and in large
quantity.This Tender is open to Foreign suppliers whose company
products meet international standards and also willing to bid for a
tender and if your not interested to bid please do not reply.
Their Payment method: If the Order is given to you, An upfront payment
of 80% (T/T) will be made to your account, while 20% will be paid
before shipment. This project is for companies who are very ready to
bid for a Tender and has understanding the meaning of biding for a
Tender supply.and you will need to register your company with the
committee incharge of the order with a registration fees to qualify
your company.
I am a accredited commission agent.if you are interested to supply
your products get back to me with your current.
1) Your products price list/specification
2) Comprehensive details/information of your products
Best Regards,
Mr.John OPi.
plot:8b spintex road Accra Ghana
Email:(mr_johnopi@hotmail.com)
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