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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- 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.
- cyrimlller@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "URGENT" (may be fake)
Date: Wed, 25 Nov 2015 23:41:08 -0000
Subject: URGENT
Dear Friend,
It is my pleasure to identify with you. My name is Cyril Muller, I am the Personal consultatant/Legal adviser to Late John Adams.I do sincerely apologize for my intrusion of your privacy.I have a serious concern with which I believe you might be of help .I am currently seeking joint partner.
As soon as you establish an Understanding with him i shall furnish you in details the proposed business. Please send reply to indicate your willingness in assisting me so that i Will direct you on what next to do. Include your Direct telephone and fax numbers if You are responding to my e-mail: cyrimlller@gmail.com
Looking forward to your urgent and anticipated assistance.
Yours faithfully.
Cyril Muller.
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Anti-fraud resources:
