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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:
- "diplomatic agent" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "courier.company@yandex.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr.Alex Bright" <ahmedrehman73@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: "Mr.Alex Bright" <courier.company@yandex.com>
Date: Thu, 18 Aug 2016 22:12:45 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: I am Mr. Alex Bright Fast way courier company Director in Republic
Of Benin
Attention,
I am Mr. Alex Bright Fast way courier company Director in Republic Of Benin and this is to let you know that financial intelligence has released your scam victim compensation fund. However
My diplomatic agent just arrived at (Corpus Christi International Airport Texas)
right now with your metal truck box worth sun of ($6.8Million usd).and he need your effort for him to reach you.
The name of your delivery agent is Mr Thamos curry, who is in the airport with your metal truck box .Text or Call him on +12608690469. or email him on thamoscurry1@yandex.com Kindly fill the below info
Your Name,......
Your Address.....
Your Telephone Number:........
your country and state...........
Your Occupation
Try to be quick in getting back to me as to enable my diplomatic agent arrive your home tomorrow morning.
Regards.
Mr.Alex Bright.
Email: courier.company@yandex.com
Mobile: +22998316520
Director of Dhl Courier
Company Benin Republic.
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Anti-fraud resources:
