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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:
- "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: FRANK GODWIN <macpro@knn.co.kr>
Reply-To: <frankgodwin85@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 02:35:28 -0700
Subject: TELEPHONE NUMBER +14422546519
I am Mr. Frank Godwin, the special delivery agent assigned by the
UNITED NATIONS Office For Humanitarians Affairs to make the delivery
of your $1.8million usd in Cash to your door-steps. I am presently in
Los Angeles and i have received and noted your delivery information.
I have made arrangement with my Company DHL to complete the delivery since it
will be less expensive and their delivery charges is $150 ITUNES CARD
OR GOOGLE PLAY CARD. The money mapped out for this delivery has
exhausted and i cannot afford the fees, therefore you are hereby
advise to remit to me through the Form of iTunes card or steam wallet
or Amazon card and send the scan picture.
I will update you with the delivery time and date as soon as i hear
from you. Thanks and remain blessed.
BEST REGRAD
MR FRANK GODWIN
EMAIL: frank.godwin@iiiha.net
TELEPHONE NUMBER +14422546519
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Anti-fraud resources:
