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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:
- "certificate fee" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "mtcn" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "clearance permit" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "consignment " (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)
- "diplomatic agent" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "cotonou" (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.david.johnson" <"www."@fine.ocn.ne.jp>
Reply-To: "Mr.david.johnson" <david.johnson0523@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 30 May 2017 22:31:24 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Greeting from Diplomat Agent
Greeting from Diplomat Agent
Mr. david johnson This Is To Inform You About My Successfully
Arrival
At San Diego International Airport California USA, Meanwhile
I Am Having A Little Problem With
The Authority Because Of The INTERNATIONAL CLEARANCE PERMIT
Of Your consignment box Which One On
The Airport Authority That It Will Be Obtained.
From Benin Republic Custom Authority With The Sum Of
$89.DELIVERY 24HRS/OVERNIGHT DELIVERY) URGENTLY
You Also Advice To Reconfirm Your Delivery Address Such As
Your Home Address Your Telephone Number
And Your Nearest International Airport.Use This Below
Information To Send The INTERNATIONAL CLEARANCE
PERMIT certificate Fee Which Is The Sum Of $89 To The Benin
With Name Of Custom Accountant Officer.
Here is the Information to send the fee.
Receivers Name: == Rita Ken
Country Benin Republic.
City::Cotonou..
Text Question. In God.
Text Answer: We Trust..
Senders’ name..
Mtcn..
You Have To email first
Okay I Am Waiting To Hear From You With
the payment details Asap.
Thanks
Mr.david johnson
UPS Courier Express Company
Diplomatic Agent
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Anti-fraud resources:
