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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)
- "urgent assistance" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: james adams <Adamsassoiicate@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2015 16:26:43 -0700
Subject: investment offer
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Solid Rock Orphanage Home,
Buginbora, Accra Ghana.
P.O Box 1010 Accra Ghana.
I need an urgent assistance from you before my Uncles take over what
belongs to me.
I'm "Tutu Jerry Jr." I am 14 years old Orphan, my parents died on
gastric accident when I was sis years old. I leave under guardians of
my father’s friend and also our family lawyer.
I am contacting you to adopt me as a son and also help me to transfer
and invest the sum of US$12.5 Million Dollars bequeathed to me by my
late father.
I am willing to join you Invest in any lucrative business of your
choice in your country to enable me complete my education. I am ready
to share 60/40% in any gain that you shall make out of the investment.
If you are willing and guarantee my safety, kindly get back to me to
enable me link you to my family lawyer for more details.
Thanks for your cooperation,
Yours respectful Son
Tutu Jerry Jr.
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Anti-fraud resources:
