Western Union Scam Question

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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 5:33 pm

Greetings,

In starting a bait on a Western Union scam where they say they sent me $5000 along with tracking information, I went to the WU site and the information actually checked out and showed as being available for pickup.

I always thought they gave out fake information.

Does anyone know what might be going on here?

JREH

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 5:43 pm

From what I have read on other threads, lads seem to be paying a minimal fee, to make it look like there is money and so technically the mtcn is valid. I know I have seen a post on this exact subject, but for the life of me at the moment I cannot find it. Evil or Very Mad

This is also why when I come across such emails and it contains mtcn numbers, I always x them out when posting to surplus and scamwarners.

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 5:46 pm

Here, this is where I remember reading something about active mtcns:

http://forum.419eater.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=175738

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 5:51 pm

Okay, I checked the link and I understand what is likely going on, but if the MTCN is live and collectable, is there any harm in going to the office to collect it, even if it is for a buck or so (just for the hell of it)? There's a WU office right near where I live anyway, so it isn't out of my way. I could then go to the variety store beside it and grab a chocolate bar.

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 5:54 pm

I don't know, that sounds like an ethical question. Considering the lad has placed an absolute minimal amount of money to make it appear that it is active, though you would be taking his money so it may cross the line.

Arg,... Philosophy and ethics are sometimes tricky.

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 5:58 pm

I can't see that as crossing the line, as I did nothing to cajole the lad into sending it to me... he offered it freely.

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 6:12 pm

Happy_Slacker wrote:

From what I have read on other threads, lads seem to be paying a minimal fee, to make it look like there is money and so technically the mtcn is valid. I know I have seen a post on this exact subject, but for the life of me at the moment I cannot find it. Evil or Very Mad

This is also why when I come across such emails and it contains mtcn numbers, I always x them out when posting to surplus and scamwarners.

That is correct. - The money is not there. Once you mail the lad telling him you were not able to pick up the money, he will need some fees to release it.

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 6:33 pm

I know the payment appears as ready to collect, but without extra details (secret Q&A, or 'to' details), it cannot be collected. Your lad knows this, there will be fees to get that missing info...

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:38 pm

The MTCN may be from a victim. I understand it is considered a Good Thing to PM live MTCNs to mods, along with some context.

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:50 am

1. The payment was possibly made with fake identity card so picking it up would be fraudulent

2. Payment could well be made with stolen credit card so ditto

Either of which might get you arrested! Leave well alone! Paddy

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 3:07 am

You guys are right on as usual... the mugu needed fees to "correct" everything. All I did was tell him that there was a problem (no other details) and he came on like he knew exactly what had happened (pure bullcrap), and of course, the amount was different from one script letter to another, among other serious blunders. Of course, I did not educate him about this and sent him to MTCN Secure (which still always shows zeroes in the stats for some reason)...

If this idiot had one more brain cell..... he'd have one brain cell.

What a twit.

JREH

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 3:32 pm

I received Western Union information from a lad and the online status show "picked up"

My response to the lad was "What kind of joke is this the money has already been picked up"

Lad

Quote:

The MTCN payment information given to you is on Western Union Data Payment Control System and it is Your First Payment okay, so I advice you to try pay the transfer charge of $255 this will enable Western union Manager Mr. Chris Uba release your $7000:00USD Immediately .

Best regards

The lads will attempt to recycle valid MTCN numbers even after the funds have been collected.

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