419 scam: "MR KAY MONEY" <kaymoney@westernunion.com> 09/05/2011.

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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 sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- "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. )
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.
- +447011130185 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
- +2348026661045 (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.
- kk201111@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "MR KAY MONEY" <kaymoney@westernunion.com>
Reply-To: kk201111@gmail.com
Date: Tue, 10 May 2011 03:27:55 +0200
Subject: 09/05/2011.

Dear Sir/Madam,
There is an issue with the WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER in the amount of
$149,024.00 Directed in cash credited to file WUMT/0378449773/08, at the
owner of this email address which is you.

The International Monetary Fund contacted us for your compensation a
couple of hours ago due to your allocated security code.

We are unable to complete a transfer directed at an email address, So we
require your signature and attestation in order to complete this
transfer.Your signature and particulars is required for the immediate
release and payment of your funds ($149,024.00).

I wish to notify you that your Western Union details concerning your funds
($149,024) has been released. Please visit the Western Union website
(www.westernunion.com) and check the status of your funds using the
information below: THIS IS YOUR FUNDS' STATUS.

Go to www.westernunion.com then click 'Transfer Status' Input the MTCN and
Sender's name, it will
notify you that your money ($149,024) has been picked up.

We picked it up for your safety until your claim
MTCN: 210 779 8450
Sender's First Name: Chris
Sender's Last Name: White
Amount: $ 149, 024
Test Question: ??
Answer: ??

We do not have much time in our hands moreover, we have a timeframe for
every claim.

Here are the information needed for you to fill out:
i.Full Names (first and last):
ii.Address:
iii.Age (before January 2010):
iv.Sex (M/F):
v.Nationality:
vi.Tel.Number(s):
vii.Fax Number(s):
viii.Country Of Residence:

As soon as this information is received, a scanned copy of your Receipt
containing pickup details will be sent to you for pickup at your local
western union outlet ($4,000 3-times a week until the successful transfer
completion to you), having complied with the Western Union terms and
conditions as regards its charges.

When emailing, include the (Ref # 250-33) for security reasons.
Waiting urgently.
INFORMATION DESK
Western Union Money Transfer
www.westernunion.com
**Customer Service**
Nigeria Office: +234 80 2666 1045
Head Office (USA)+447011130185
REPLY: kk201111@gmail.com

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam