419 scam: Western Union <inofficefil@gmail.com> Re: Scam Victims Compensation Funds

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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. )
- "transfer of your funds" (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)
- "million dollars" (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)
- "you are advice to " (this email uses bad English)
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
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 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.
- w.union350@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Western Union <inofficefil@gmail.com>
Reply-To: <w.union350@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2022 19:58:34 -0700
Subject: Re: Scam Victims Compensation Funds

ATTENTION: This email came from an external source. Do not open attachments or click on links from unknown senders or unexpected emails.

Western Union Money
Transfer Unit Lagos Nigeria
w.union350@gmail.com

Dear

My names is Tom West of the above office, This to let you know that
your name and address was among the Scam Victims compensation funds of
$2.5Million Dollars which was approved to be release to you by the
Government of this Country, You are advice to get back to us with
these for the immediate transfer of your funds to you as directed.

1: Your Names
2: City
3:Address
4: Working ID
5: Email Address
6.Telephone Number

Your urgent message is highly needed as soon as possible once you
receive this message.

Thanks and God bless you
Yours Sincerely
Mr. Tom West
Email {w.union350@gmail.com}
Telephone +2349162108053
Western Union
Lagos Nigeria

________________________________

CONFIDENTIALITY

This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named herein. Any attachment transmitted with this email is confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom this email is addressed. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system or please notify the system manager. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and in the event of any unauthorized disclosure, copying and/or distribution of the contents the generating entity and/or the sender reserves the right to take any action against such unauthorized use in law, equity or otherwise.
The recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The sender accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email, delays, data corruption, unauthorized access or unauthorized amendments.

________________________________

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam