Identity theft, credit card fraud, spam, virus and Internet Scam Alerts.

Here's another example of a classic Nigerian Scam email. Can you spot what's wrong with this picture? Keep reading and maybe the RED FLAGS after the email will help.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
From: WESTERNUNION [mailto:frank@gewestpink.be]
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 8:41 AM
To: WESTERNUNION
Subject: FROM WESTERN UNION

Send Money Worldwide
Dear Sir/Madam,
There is an issue with the WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER in the amount of
$2,250,000.00 USD directed in cash credited to file wng/9023113458/02, at the
owner of this email address.
The International Monetary Fund contacted us for your compensation a couple of
hours ago due to your allocated security code.
They said that they choose to send it to an email address instead of a name. We
are unable to complete a transfer directed at an email address,so we require
some more information to verify it with what we have on file in order to complete this transfer and make sure that we are not paying the wrong beneficiary.
FULL NAME:
FULL CONTACT ADDRESS:
MOBILE PHONE NUMBER:
OCCUPATION:
MARITAL STATUS
AGE:
In order to resolve this problem,please email via Western Union Solicitors Fund
Verification Department:
western_unionng@hotmail.com
As soon as this information is received,and you have complied with the
requirements of payment of the western union charges, payment will be made to
your nominated bank account or at the counter directly from The Western Union
Transfering Bank.
When emailing,please use reference number 111-117 for our mutual convenience.
THE MANAGEMENT OF WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER,OFFICE NIGERIA BRANCH.
Sincerely,
Warren Jack
Western Union Payments
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

You receive and email from Western Union's Nigera Office, but the email address was sent from Warren Jack who's email address is frank@gewestpink.be. (by the way.be is Belguim, not Nigeria and why does Warren use Frank's email account?) (RED FLAG) You've got a $2,250,000 USD (RED FLAG) transfer waiting for you at Western Union. Of course you didn't expect it, (RED FLAG) but hey, who cares for $2.250 million right? All you have to do is provide a little information and, that's right, take of the "payment of the western union charges." (RED FLAG) Probably just a few bucks anyway, right? Not on $2.250 million. Just reply to the email address at WesternUnion.com ... I mean, hotmail.com (RED FLAG) at the Nigeria Branch (RED FLAG), and they'll send you instructions on how to take care of that little charge. Next thing you know you're a multi-millionaire. This to be on the 'up and up' right? Heck, there's even a reference number (RED FLAG) for your 'convenience.'

What are the RED FLAGS here?

Nigeria or Belgium, Warren or Frank?

Nobody would transfer $2.250Million through Western Union.

Would anyone send your $50, much less $2.250 million without letting you know first?

In real transfers, fees are generally paid on the 'senders' side, not the recipient.

Western Union is using a Hotmail email address? Hotmail's great, but come on...

Of course, the transfer is coming from the financial capital of the world, Nigeria?

And last but not least, the ever present 'Reference' number. It must be official if there's a reference number...

So, hopefully by now, if you've received this email or one like it, you've realized that you unfortunately are the target of a scam. Nigerian scams like this often lead to financial and identity theft. Learn more about Nigerian Scams here and learn more about identity theft here.

Any contact with the sender of this email could result in financial and identity loses. If you received an email like this, just delete it. If you have made contact with this person you may be at risk. You should immediately contact your local law enforcement agency and or financial institution for assistance if you provided ANY personal or financial information.

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For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of identity theft visit SecurePCNews at where you can find specific information about dealing with Identity Theft and other internet and email scams like phishing.

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