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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:
- "money-gram" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Tim H. William" <dhlo32552@gmail.com>
Reply-To: moneygramoffice00116@gmail.com
Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2022 06:58:38 -0800
Subject: Attn My Dear:
--
Attn: Dear:
We the Money-Gram Board of Directors, We are contacting you regarding
your $2.5M USD which we have already program for immediate transfer to
you through Money-Gram four payment daily.
We have already made this (4) Ref-Number control number available on
your name to enable you pick up your payment but before we can be able
to release the complete information you have to obtain Authorization
Release Permit.
below is (2) Ref-Number control number available on your name:
Ref-Number: 7636-4647
Sender Name:.........
Amount: $5,000 USD
Test Question: Color
Test Answer: Pink
Ref-Number: 4346-5946
Sender Name:.........
Amount: $5,000 USD
Test Question: Color
Test Answer: Pink
What you are requested now is Authorization Release Permit, which is
going to cost you $68 USD (only) please be aware that this is the only
charges/fees, as soon this is done, your funds will be release to you
in less than 45Mins through Money-Gram.
Here is information to send the money via Express Union World Remit or
Ria and
wait to start picking up your funds within 45 minutes time.
Receiver phone number: (+229)68183330
Receiver Name: Bryan Udah
Country:::::: Benin Republic
City :::::::Cotouon
Amount:$68.USD
Waiting to receive the requested fee with your direct phone number.
Thanks for your understanding and Cooperation.
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Anti-fraud resources:
