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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
Fraud email example:
From: Ms Rita Dominic <barristerbakarerichard@gmail.com>
Date:
Subject:
I have registered your ATM VISA CARD valued US$500,000.00 with FEDEX
Courier company with registration number FXJKT006564G
Please contact FEDEX Delivery Service with your resident address and your
direct telephone number for the delivery of your ATM CARD parcel.
FEDEX Benin Office:
Contact Person: Pastor John Edeh
E-mail: redacted@domain.name
Whatsapp only: +229 62 92 30 18
I have paid for the Insurance & Security fees. The only fee you have to pay
is their shipping fees of US$285.00 only. Please indicate the registration
Number immediately you contact them and ask how you can send the shipping
fee to them immediately for the delivery.
Yours sincerely
Mrs. Rita dominic
Mumbai City in India
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Anti-fraud resources:
