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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:
- "million 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: "Mr. Usmand Daba" <infoo.infofo15@gmail.com>
Reply-To: info.dept077@qq.com
Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2020 12:30:53 -0700
Subject: Re.COVID 19 RELIEVE
This is to notify you that your file appears on my desk two days ago
through FMF office that you are among the beneficiaries approved to be
paid half of their Contract/Inheritance payment of USD$19.Million
dollars as COVID 19 RELIEVE Signed by the Vice President of Federal
Republic of Nigeria, On behalf of Mr. President.
kindly reconfirm the following information for us to know that you are the
rightful beneficiary of this said fund by re sending Your full name and
contact address,Your occupation & age,Your phone and fax number,Your
International passport/Driving License
Regards
Mr. Usmand Daba
Director Remittance Dept.
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Anti-fraud resources:
