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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:
- "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Rev David Yemi Senior Resident Representative {IMF)" <info3736@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2023 03:29:53 -0700
Subject: YOUR LONG OVERDUE PAYMENT IS NOW READY.
Rev David Yemi
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF)
NIGERIA RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE,
9 Hon. Justice Mohammed Bello St.
Asokoro Abuja
I wish to inform you that your Payment has been release by our Office
IMF in Affiliation with the WORLD BANK and CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA,and
UNITED NATIONS is now ready to you.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) required you to make a choice
of payment from the list stated below
1. bank to bank transfer (please forward a bank account information
where you wish to receive this sum : if you choose option (1)
2. We will issue and send to you ICBD (International certified Bank
Draft)if you choose option (2)
3. Cash payment (Here a UN diplomat will deliver to you face to face
in your home.
4.Payment by ATM CARD .
Please make a choice so that we will effect your payment immediately .
This is a Golden opportunity for you now to receive your Payment
Once again I apologize to you on Behalf of IMF (International Monetary
Fund) failure to receive your funds in time, which According to
Records in the System had been Long Overdue.
Yours in Service.
Rev David Yemi
Senior Resident Representative {IMF)
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Anti-fraud resources:
