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June 26, 2006

A few weeks ago, I supplied details about a 419 scam claiming to come from a "Major James Negron" of the 1st Armored Division stationed in Iraq.

The gang is at it again, but this time the email message from "j negron" doesn't talk about Iraq or the U.S. Army or hidden millions. The message's subject is very much like the Army ones:

Subject: AN INSIGHT

But this time, the 419 pitch is different:

Dear friend,
I am an Auditor who is willing to place in investment opportunities available..
I have certain amount of money i wish to invest in private and start-up companies with potentials for rapid growth in short-times. I am intrested inplacing part of the fund in your company (if any), If by-laws allows for foreign investment. If on the other hand you do not have a company,
I will be happy to listen to any business propositions you may have.
I will like you to contact me through this e-mail [removed]@virgilio.it .As well as sending me your company profile (if any)or other necessary informations.
At the meantime, I will appreciate it if you can provide me a few details of yourself.(full name, age ,address and occupations e.t.c) Please acknowledge the receipt of this mail.
Thanks and God bless.
Your Faithfully,
j negron .

This 419 approach is anything but new, but the results are the same for anyone who responds: Promises of money to be sent to your bank account, except that there are some screw ups along the way that require your advance payment of fees, taxes, and other banking or transfer charges—thousands of dollars out of your pocket that you'll never see again.

The "God bless" in the signature is as cynical as posing to be a U.S. soldier stationed in Iraq. As the U.S. economy tanked following 9/11, and non-profit organizations were having a hard time raising donations, the 419 brigade used tactics similar to the one above, promising to donate money to charities, often tugging on the religious heart strings of potential victims. It was despicable behavior, but these psychological thugs have no conscience.

I wonder where "j negron" will appear next.