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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:
- "hundred thousand us 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)
- "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned 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. Olusegun Aganga" <admin@qldni.com.au>
Reply-To: "Mr. Olusegun Aganga" <info.ministryofiti@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2015 21:20:34 +1000 (GMT+10:00)
Subject: YOUR CONTRACT PAYMENT NOTICE
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY, TRADE AND INVESTMENT
122 ASOKORO ROAD
ABUJA FCT
ABUJA, NIGERIA.
CONTRACT PAYMENT RELEASE
I have been trying to reach you via email and email for the payment of your contract / inheritance payment all to no avail. The president has orderd the immediate release of your over due payment with accrued interest valued at $15.5 million (Fifteen million and five hundred thousand US Dollars).
You are hereby needed to submit the following for your payment verification and onward payment:
1. Your name :
2.(a) Your contact telephone number (mobile)
(b) House telephone number
3. Contact address
4. Age
5. Marrital status
6. Occupation and Status
7. Valid ID. (Drivers licence or International passport or work ID)
Your payment will be processed and released to you upon the receipt of these vital information.
Yours Sincerely,
Mr. Olusegun Aganga
Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment
Federal Republic Of Nigeria
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Anti-fraud resources: