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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:
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
- 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: Rolf Michielson <inbox@inbox.org>
Reply-To: rolfmichiel1964@outlook.com
Date: 15 Apr 2023 16:56:49 +0200
Subject: This is a life changing opportunity undewy@sputnikmail.com
Hello undewy,
Greetings and good day to you. My name is Rolf Michielson. I am a financial consultant/attorney. My client has a substantial amount of money $10.5M to invest in any good business that will bring good return on investment either in your country or anywhere in the world. My client is looking for a reliable, trustworthy and competent person to partner with. If you are interested, I will like you to email me the following:
1) BUSINESS PLAN
2) ANNUAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT OF THE PROPOSAL
3) BUSINESS DURATION
4) YOUR DIRECT TELEPHONE NUMBER
My client is willing to negotiate the terms and conditions to suit your best interest. My client will fund the investment from start to finish and is willing to share profit 50-50. If you find this letter encouraging, please indicate by a return email so we can proceed at once.
Please respond directly to my direct email, whatsapp or telephone number.
WHATSAPP: +44 7467-798-558
Yours truly
Rolf Michielson (Esq)
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Anti-fraud resources:
