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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 sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- "inheritance funds" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. George Michael Gilberts" <elf_garden@optusnet.com.au>
Reply-To: mrliuzhenmin699@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2023 01:14:30 -0700
Subject: Good News for you
Dear Sir/Madam
I am Mr. Liu Zhenmin ,the Economic and Social Affairs and the Head Foreign Operations United Nations (UN) Foreign Credit Commission and Debts Settlement Services New York United States of America.
This is to inform you that we have authorized the Ally Commerce Bank to have your outstanding Contract payments, Winning or Inheritance funds of USD15.5Million release to you via their online Banking System of Payment as soon as you respond back to this important information, because you are among the beneficiaries selected by the United Nations (UN) and Homeland security Service Office to receive this fund immediately you acknowledge this message.
You will be required to send us the below stated information for confirmation and record purposes
1. Your Full Name:
2. Your Direct Telephone
3. Fax Number
4. Your Residential Address:
5. Your Current Receiving Banking Details
Waiting for your swift response and Cooperation
Yours Truly
Mr. Liu Zhenmin
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Anti-fraud resources:
