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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:
- "affidavit of claim" (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. )
- "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)
- "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "affidavit " (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Barr. James Walker" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <barrister_advocate101@consultant.com>
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2015 20:35:37 -0400
Subject: IMPORTANT MESSAGE AND UPDATE FROM LAWYER
ATTN:
I have sent you mails regards my conversation with Dr. David Watson who came to my office few weeks regards the Fund Documents which belong to Mr. and Mrs. Hisham and the total value amount of the fund deposited with the Financial Institution was $25,000.000.00 (Twenty Five Million Dollars).
The Fund Deposit Certificate was among the documents submitted in my office.....
Kindly reply and acknowledge this important mail to enhance fast processing of change of ownership and authorization documents which you will send to the financial institution for claims.
The Deposit certificate of fund is in my office now, but since you are going to be next of kin beneficiary of the deceased, I will prepare the change of fund ownership and affidavit of claims on your name.....
Kindly provide your information and international passport for verification with the details i have in file.
Full Name:
Address:
Direct Cell Phone and House Phone:
Occupation:
Date of Birth:
It will takes me only 2 to 3 working days to get all the documents which you will present to the financial institution for claims.
I wait your urgent reply please.
Regards
Barr. James Walker
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