419 scam: Stephin Loan Firms <helps@att.net> Currently offering out loans 3%

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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:
- ",000,000" (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)
- "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)
- "loan amount" (Beware of fake loan offers. Real lenders would not normally use free webmail addresses such as Yahoo, nor would they lend to individuals or small businesses in a different country from where they are based. Beware of mobile phones or redirector numbers!)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- sjecy1@yahoo.com.hk (Yahoo, Hong Kong; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: Stephin Loan Firms <helps@att.net>
Reply-To: sjecy2@yahoo.com.hk
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:32:08 -0300
Subject: Currently offering out loans 3%

Hello,

We of Stephin Loan Firms are currently offering out loans to
customers at a low interest rate of 3%. This is an opportunity you
can't afford to miss. Loan amounts available: £ 5,000.00 to £
1,000,000.00.

Accept an affordable interest rate of 3% Choose between 1 and 20
Years to repay. Get both Secured and Unsecured business and personal
loans. Get the loan just on your signature. Have the loan processed
just as you want it. Fast and Urgent loans can be provided. Interested
customers are expected to contact ( sjecy1@yahoo.com.hk ) with the
following;

Full Name:
Contact Address:
Country and State:
City:
Nationality:

Loan Amount:
Loan Duration:
Sex:
Marital Status:
Monthly Income:
Contact phone :
Zip Code:

We wish to assist you with a loan in the nearest feature.

Kinds Regards.
Mrs.Jecy Stephin.
Email: sjecy1@yahoo.com.hk
Located At; 4.4 Miles, E-67
Vercino Square, Milano Lombardy.
ITALY 20100.

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