419 scam: "Western Union Money Transfer" <info@westernunion.com> Your First Payment MTCN: 7259765499

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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:

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
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:
- "western union" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "mtcn" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "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)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
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.
- +2348058084624 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)
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.
- wester_unionpostoff@post.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Western Union Money Transfer" <info@westernunion.com>
Reply-To: wester_unionpostoff@post.com
Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:02:32 +0530 (IST)
Subject: Your First Payment MTCN: 7259765499

Dear Value Customer,

I am David George from Western Union, On behalf of the International
Monetary Fund/United Nation/ ECOWAS, I once again try to notify you as my
Earlier letter was returned undelivered. I hereby attempt to reach you
Again by this same email address on the Beneficiary today been 21st
Oct.2010. If you get this one, we are writing to inform you that we have
Been given the mandate to transfer your full compensation payment of
$800,000.00USD via Western Union by the government.

We have decided to email you the MTCN and sender name, so you can pick up
This $5000.00USD to enable us sends another $5000.00USD by tomorrow as you
Know we will be sending you only $5000.00USD per day. Please pick up this
Information and run to any Western Union in your country and your full
name is the receivers name and don't forget that you have to pick up this
money after receiving our mail, if you don't pick up the money on time,
then the management will put the money on hold.

Note that it’s for your own security reason, that is why we didn't
include
Your name in our mail. So don't delay in pinking up the money, because if
You do the management will put hold on the money. Here is the western union
information to pick up the $5000.00.USD

Sender's First name: Robert
Sender's Last name: Gill
MTCN: 7259765499
Amount;=5,000, USD
Test Question;= Pay
Test Answer;= Cash

For verification Kindly check the availability of you’re via our web
site
below. https://wumt.westernunion.com/asp/orderStatus.asp?country=global

If you are having any problem in picking up the money, simply note that
its because you didn't pick it on time, that is why you are having
problem. If you wish to know more details or if you are having problem in
picking up the money kindly contact us. Tel:+2348058084624
Post Officer: Mr. David George
E-Mail:wester_unionpostoff@post.com

Sincerely,
Western Union Team

DISCLAIMER : Please do not print this email unless it is absolutely necessary.

The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this message are intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments.

WARNING: Computer viruses can be transmitted via email. The recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The Institute accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email.

The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this message are intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments contained in it.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam