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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:
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "hundred thousand united states 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: melisa morgan <melisamogan02@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2019 05:54:38 -0700
Subject: Dear Sir, Madam
ear Sir
I am Dr. Antonio Francisco Lopes Cristovao, from Angola, We are
interested to invest the sum of Three Million Five Hundred Thousand United
States Dollars in your country, we are looking for a company or an
individual who can handle the projects for my family.
My brother is presently in your country with this investment Sum of Three
Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars But unfortunately the investor who
convinced us to come to your country is not reliable as my brother
confirmed to me now, please i will like you to meet with my brother right
there if you can assist us.
You will benefit a lot from this investment.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Thanks and regards.
Dr. Antonio Francisco Lopes Cristov
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Anti-fraud resources:
