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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million us 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: "bahrainchristopher@gmail.com" <cw272542@gmail.com>
Reply-To: powelljeromeh249@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:07:58 -0700
Subject: Hello My Dear Friend
Hello My Dear Friend
How are you doing today? I hope all is well with you and your family?,
This is good news for you my friend, Your inheritance payment of
$27Million US Dollars ATM card package is now ready to be on the way
to meet you at your home address today and I will be expecting you to
email me with your home address and your cell phone and I will make
you happy this time also this is time. I will bring your inheritance
payment of $27Million US Dollars ATM card package to you, for your
information. just wanted to let you know that your inheritance payment
of $27Million US Dollars ATM card package is coming to meet you at
your home with and all I need from you now is your correct home
address and your cell phone also your ID and your airport so that you
will receive your inheritance payment of $27Million US Dollars ATM
card package to your home address. If you need to receive your
inheritance payment of $27Million US Dollars ATM card package let me
know as well...
I am waiting your response so that I will meet you at your home.
Please reply once you receive this message! May God bless us to
complete this transaction as soon as possible.
Thanks
Delivery Agent Mr. Rallies David
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Anti-fraud resources:
