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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr Eric Oxford" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ericoxford7@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Aug 2016 15:55:36 -0700
Subject: Plans for investment
To Your Candid Attn:
Sub: Estate/Hotel for Urgent purchase
Dear Sir/Madam,
Good day. My name is Mr Eric Oxford an agent to a high profile client that is
seeking to invest over US$45 million into viable business opportunities in
your country. in building/buying a Tourist Hotel or investing into Real Estate in your country. This could include out right purchase of companies that are presently insolvent. I am sorry if this is not in line with your business. I am soliciting for your kind assistance to set up and develop the project in your zone. On the resumption of the project, you will be made a director for the role and the assistance you rendered. You shall be entitled to a percentage agreed upon, between my client and you before the commencement of the project. I shall be expecting a mail showing your interest and shall give you more information on this project.
Waiting for your reply
Thanks and best regards,
Mr Eric Oxford
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Anti-fraud resources:
