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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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Richard Eric" <sirdanielrobert@gmail.com>
Reply-To: richarderic811@gmail.com
Date: Tue, 25 Jun 2019 16:24:38 -0400
Subject: FINAL APPROVAL OF YOUR FUNDS,
Congratulations!!
I am amazed to let you know that the United Nations and United States
Government is compensating scam victims and your email is selected among
the lucky Beneficiaries to benefit from this compensation valued $12.5
million USD credited into an ATM Card as directed by this Organization and
is ready for delivery as soon as you furnished us with your full and
correct info as requested below:
(1) Full name------------------------------------
(2) Mobile Number:---------------------------
(3) Country of origin/City-------------------
(4) Your Current delivery address:
(5) Nearest Airport ______
Note that I will not pay attention to your email if you fail to follow
appropriate instructions stated above, the package will be handed over to
United Nations Diplomatic agent for delivery to your address. Bear in mind
that you will pay 200 USD for United Nations authorization certificate
which will enable you to receive this funds without paying any more fee
for whatsoever.
Your secret code is DXF2301 and remember to mention the code while
contacting with your info as requested above.
Best Regards.
Mr. Richard Eric,
United Nations Cashier.
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Anti-fraud resources:
