by Western Union Email Scam, which happens to be one of the viral phishing scam tactics on the internet, has made people lose all they have worked hard for. If you been sent a email telling you that you that you will be gifted some huge amount of money and you should claim it, do not click on any of those links on the email! It is a huge scam. This review uncovers the fraudulent activities of this scammers and offers tips on how to detect scam texts and avoid them. Read till the end.
Phishing (Email scams) and Smishing (Fraud through Text messages) are on the increase these days. Scammers are now coming up with several ways to defraud people on a daily basis. One of the ways they do this is by sending text messages to people prompting them to release vital information or even gaining access to their information without their knowledge. Receivers of such texts are therefore advised to always carry out due diligence before giving out any information about themselves.
What Is The Western Union Email Scam All About?
Western Union Email Scam is an email sent by fraudsters disguising themselves to be from Western Union. The email either says that you have been rewarded free money and you should claim it. They also attach a link with which to provide relevant information about you. Do not fall for it.
How Does Western Union Email Scam Work?
In order to appear genuine, the cyber criminals behind the Western Union Email Scam employ different strategies. This includes trying to convince their victim that the Minister of Finance have approved that a free $5.5 million be sent to them. The sender claims to have deposited this amount with Western Union for cash payment. These scammers then instruct the recipient to contact a specified individual at Western Union in order to facilitate the transfer. They persuades them to act fast and claim their gift before it expires. They make it look so real and urgent so that their victims will click on the link attached in the email immediately without giving it a second thought.
Once they click on it, their personal details such as their full name, address, country, telephone number, fax number, marital status, age, and occupation will be collected by these scammers claiming that it is for file renewal purposes. These scammers will also demand a recipients are asked to pay a fee of $125 for each payment received through Western Union, with the promise of receiving $5,000 two times daily until the total amount is received.
What Are The Effects Of This Phishing Scam On The Receivers?
The negative effects that Western Union Email Scam has had on people who fell victim of their tricks unknowingly is really alarming. A recipient of this scam email shared his story on how he narrowly escaped being scammed. After receiving the email, he thought it was genuine looking at the way it was presented. It was when they started demanded for a fee that he discovered that he was dealing with scammers.
Just like him, other receivers of this scam email had similar experiences. Some escaped but others were unlucky and had to pay dearly with huge some of money deducted from their accounted by these scammers.
These and may more stories, prompted us to start educating the public about this fast rising phishing scam known as Western Union Email Scam as well as other methods used by scammers these days.
How To Detect Western Union Email Scam.
Below are some of the ways you can identify a scam text by fraudsters.
- They make the text sound urgent and give penalty for those who default. This is to make the receiver do what they said.
- They disguise to be a reputable agency, steal the agency’s official logo and address just to convince people.
- They send links to malicious sites to get your personal information and steal from you.
- There are usually errors in their email address or the content of the mail or text.
- Majority of them only make use of text messages and chats.
- They request for fees for you to get the claimed prizes.
6 Ways To Avoid Being Scammed By These Fraudsters.
In order not to be a victim of the Western Union Email Scam or any other fake agency, follow these instructions:
- Do not click on any link or download attachment from an unknown sender: Do not be in a hurry to click on any link sent in a mail or text message from someone you do not know.
- Check the URL of the links they sent: Is there is an error in the URL or even the content of the text message like misspelling or omission, then know it is a scam.
- Carry out your investigation: Before clicking on any link, do a research to know if they are actually it is actually coming from the said organization. This will save you a lot.
- Do not disclose your personal information anyhow: No genuine agency will request that you provide personal information such as bank account details, password information and others immediately.
- Follow your instinct: Whenever you come across a suspicious text message making mouth watery offers, it always safe to pay attention to the details in the message rather than being carried away by their fake promises.
- Report suspicious email or text messages: As soon as you discover a fraudulent text or email, report to your local enforcement agency so that they will take actions to stop further scam activities. If you have already shared your personal or financial information with these scammers, all you just have to do is to shut down your cards, then report the incident.
- Tell others about the Western Union Email Scam: Enlighten your friends and family member about the ongoing scam so that they will be aware and not fall victim.
Conclusion
People should be cautious of the information they give out about themselves. There are many scammers out there targeting unsuspecting people. Sadly, Western Union Email Scam is one of the viral scams over the internet recently just like EE Points Program Scam. To stay safe from these fraudsters, you have to adhere to the instructions given above. Click Here to see a list of phishing scams to avoid. Other online scams we have reviewed are Winplayers Scam Text and Ftc fortnite Scam
