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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 friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
 
 -  "million pounds" (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)
 
 -  "murcopetroleumlimitedfirdx@gmx.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
 
  -  This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams. 
 
Fraud email example:
From: "Murco Petroleum Limited." (may be fake) 
Reply-To: <murcopetroleumlimited@yahoo.co.jp> 
Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:16:56 -0700 
Subject: Murco Petroleum Limited. 16/3/2012 
 
Dear friend, 
 
I   hereby honestly and confidentially  make this request  to you with caution and  also to  guide  you against  the insurgences and   
  
increasingly  disseminating   scam  business proposal  around  the  world. 
This information above becomes  critical and interesting by  informing with the view to clear you from the doubt you may have as bring before  
  
you this  privileged  opportunity being expressed further below . 
My name is  Mr  Robert  Brown a  British citizen by nationalization  and   staff  of   Murco Petroleum Limited , Wales  whose    operational   
  
regional  office resides in   London , UK . You can visit  the official  site  my company  at  http://www.murco.co.uk/welcome.htm 
  
I was officially  involved in the procurement of   a substantive  bidders that set up three Petro-chemical  Plants  in the island of  Wales . 
The  project budgetary provision submitted to the head of the technical and  contracts feasibility  department  of  Murco Petroleum Limited   
  
over the set-up of  the three plants  were deliberately contrived  to take up our personal need when dis-engaged  finally from services. 
It had taken  great time  and  search  to bring on board   a person with a great sense of reliable and integrity to  work with for the   
  
takeover the place of subcontract to this executed projects.The  re-appraised  and over invoiced sum of 4.5 Million Pounds Sterling  was the  overinflated  amount submitted and approved  outside the  original projects  bid . 
  
However,  the above sum is yet unclaimed because  it  is  only  the technical heads of  which i am one of the two  has  privileged  source  of  
  
this outstanding amount.I am urgently  soliciting  with you to  collaborate with us  and  stand for  this legitimate  deal.  You  must see this as the  most sincere and honest opportunity coming from a  true friend.  
  
You stand to benefit  25% of the total sum outside any unforeseen  contingencies  in actualizing this opportunity. 
I will be looking forward to your  urgent consideration and acceptance . 
  
Thanks, 
  
Mr  Robert  Brown. 
Murco Petroleum Limited. 
E-mail:murcopetroleumlimitedfirdx@gmx.com 
 
 
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