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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:
- "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.
- 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.
- eprivate90@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: peter frimpong <pfrimpong399@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2015 03:07:47 +0100
Subject: REQUEST FOR BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP !!!!!!!!!!!
Hello,
How are you today? Hoping God is in total control. With warm heart l offer
my friendship and business hoping that my content will appreciate accepted.
l have sum US $15.5 Million dollars which l want to invest with you in your
country in a stable economy.
I will offer you 30% for your assistance to receive and invest this money
with you in your country. I will be waiting to hear from you as soon as
possible if you can be able to assist me and we will decide on best to
proceed. Write me through my private e-mail: eprivate90@gmail.com for more
details.
Thanks and God bless you,
Peter
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Anti-fraud resources:
