419 scam: Western Union <"www."@grace.ocn.ne.jp> Good News Ref # 638-977-0375

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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:
- "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. )
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "alex_williams23@outlook.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.
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.
- +22968473442 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: Western Union <"www."@grace.ocn.ne.jp>
Reply-To: Western Union <alex_williams23@outlook.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2017 13:26:50 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Good News Ref # 638-977-0375

Good News Ref # 638-977-0375

This is to notify you about the latest development concerning all the payment that are left in our custody, which yours are inclusive besides, where you are given a bill of Sum in order to receive your payment which we haven't heard from you for sometime now. Hence, our western union is now offering a Special BONUS to help all our customers that are having one problem or the other of payments in our custody due to high price. In other words we are now requesting that those involved should pay only the sum of $99. to receive all their payment abandoned in our custody.

Besides, my dear, this is the opportunity for you to comply and your funds shall be transfer to your designated address. But remember after five working days grace elapse it will be diverted to the Government Coffers, So to avoid problems, you have to send the fee as soon as possible.

Again after (FIVE DAYS) we shall enter a new Program for the Month and that is the reason why we decided to help all our Numerous Customers before we enter into the new project.Again track your reference number before going to the western union to pay the fee track the money with this our site.

Track the status of your fund with our site: (https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/self-service/app/tracktransfer)

Your Reference # 638-977-0375
Programed Amount : $4500

We are waiting for your immediate compliance.
Here is the payment info.

RECEIVERS NAME:CRIS WOOD
CITY :COTONOU
COUNTRY:BENIN REPUBLIC

Thanks,
Mr.Alex Williams
Call me at +229 68473442

alex_williams23@outlook.com

Text the payment slip here +1(470) 798-0874 immediately you make the payment thanks.
We are waitng for your urgent repily.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam