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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 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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: John Ofori <johnoforiattah006@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2016 04:17:05 -0800
Subject: Re: Investment Proposal
Dear Sir,
I have info for cash worth of $107 Million US Dollars . I need a
capable business contact that possesses investment strategies or
profitable business information for good turn over. we are ready for
the Real Estate investment. I also saw on your page for investment
drive to partner with possible investors.
name is in my data base for almost three years now.
We will be ready to meet one on one with the investor to have a
meeting with him if possible and agree on proceedings. The investor
can also send in business proposal suitable in your country of origin.
Please write me back if you can work with me on this project. This
will also provide an opportunity to make more profit and invest
bigger,
Thanks,
John.
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Anti-fraud resources:
