419 scam: Western Union <bankgt38@gmail.com> Re: $980,000.00 Transfer

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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:
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- "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. )
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- "i will advice you " (this email uses bad English)
- "cotonou" (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 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.
- +22998755018 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: Western Union <bankgt38@gmail.com>
Reply-To: Western Union <chantal_obasi@worker.com>
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2015 01:09:40 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Re: $980,000.00 Transfer

A pleasant greetings to you and your family, i am sick and tired of this constant problem with the FBI & IRS concerning your outstanding fund release of which i have been fighting tooth and nails to make sure you receive this fund but you have been thinking that i am there to swindle you.

I was suppose to travel to South Africa last MONTH for a meeting with other top Government officials but because of this transfer matter of yours, i decided to defer my trip till next week.

Right now, i will advice you follow my last and final instructions because the bank have agreed to make the transfer today. You're only advice to secure your fund $980,000.00 from been tempered by the FBI/ or IRS by obtaining a GNAB Certificate (Government Non-Assessment Bond Certificate) which cost is $165 this will serve you as the clearance certificate.

Since you are finding it difficult to get the $165 we have decided that you are to go ahead and pay whatever you have out of the total fee $165. But mind you, no amount below $50 will be accepted so we expect you to pay whatever amount from $50 and above. My final conclusion with the bank this morning was that they will make the transfer today so that you can receive your first payment. The maximum amount you will receive daily is $6,000.00 until your total amount $980,000.00 is fully paid to you.

You are to pay whatever amount you have so that we can purchase your payment files then complete your transfer today so you can receive your $6000 first payment today.

We will send you the first details, payment/receipt of your $6000 as soon as the fee/payment is received from you. Below is the information which you will use to send the fee via western union.

Receiver's Name: EMMANUEL EMERA

COUNTRY: BENIN REPUBLIC

CITY: COTONOU

Text Question: Today

Text Answer: Yes

Note: this is the only payment you are required to make in this regards for every other fee have been waived off by the federal ministry Benin.

You are entitle to receive your payment today if you do send the money today as well. Finally, Please forward your full name and address where you want this money transfer send to you.

I am waiting for your reply

Best Regards,
Mrs. CHANTAL OBASI. Transfer Agent
WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER
PHONE: 00229 987 550 18

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam