Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and a new phishing email has surfaced, pretending to be from a former Western Union director. If you receive an email from Mr. Gerald T. Brown claiming that you are owed $2.5 million but need to pay a small fee to release it, beware—this is a scam!
Original Scam Email
From: Mr.Gerald T [email protected]
Sent: 18 March 2025 09:25
Subject: WELCOME TO WESTERN UNION MONEYTRANSFER
WELCOME TO WESTERN UNION MONEYTRANSFER
Western Union Send Money Worldwide
Welcome to Western Union Money Transfer office,
ATTN: DEAR CUSTOMER,
I believe you received my previous email? Again I am Mr Gerald T. Brown, the former Director of western, and I was searching for some files that I left in this office while I was working here. I found out that you have not received your fund amounted at $2.5 Million USD since last year 2024, and I asked Mr Anthony Robert what happened that you have not received your fund, and he said that you refused to pay the $100.00 to update your western union transfer file before starting your transfer.
I’m contacting you because the Director of the (IMF) International Monetary Fund here said that they will divert all unclaimed funds including your funds to the Government Treasury account BY THE ENDING OF THIS MONTH just because you don’t want to claim your funds since 2024 till date. So I want to hear from you today so that I will know the reason why you rejected such amount of money $2.5 million which will change your life just because of $100.00
I want your urgent response as soon as you receive this email and explain to me the reason why you have abandoned your funds because of $100.00. But if you don’t need it, then I can change your name successfully to another person so that this Government will not claim this money, but I know that you will not allow such things to happen to you in your life.
If you are finding it difficult to get the fee $100.00 immediately, then you can go ahead and send the half fee, which is $50.00, so that immediately you receive your first payment of $6,000, then you will send the balance of $50 back to us. Please, my dear, I want to help you in this final opportunity to receive this fund because it was a big shock to me that you have not received your fund till date, and I’m very sorry for that. You will receive your fund before the end of this meeting, which will take us 3 days, and I will be here to monitor the transaction until you receive your fund.
As a matter of fact, your first payment of $6000.00 is ready for you to pick up at western union office now but still on hold until your transfer file is updated today as soon as you’ve sent the fee.
HERE IS YOUR FIRST PAYMENT BUT IS ON HOLD,
Money Transfer Control Number (M.T.C.N) 543-170-8229)
Amount sent: $6,000.00
Warning—Do not go to the Western Union store for the payment yet until you send the payment of $100.00 or half $50.00 today and get your file updated as instructed by (head office of Western Union). Or else you make yourself a fool and THIEF before your Western Union agent.
I will advise that you adhere to my instructions to meet up and buy only a $50 Steam Wallet Card or Xbox Gift Card or Apple Gift Card and send the copy of the card to me.
Be rest assured that everything will be finalized the moment the $100 or half $50.00 is received from you today, you will start picking up your daily payment of $6000.00 immediately until the total amount of $2.5 million is completed.
Thank you
Best Regards
Mr.Gerald T. Brown
Former Western Union Director
Western Union Payment Department section X. office
Breakdown of the Scam Email
The fraudulent email is designed to manipulate victims into sending money by creating a false sense of urgency and using authoritative language. Here are the key elements of the scam:
1. Impersonation of a Trusted Institution
The scammer claims to be a former Western Union director who stumbled upon your unclaimed funds. Western Union does not send unsolicited emails about pending payments, making this an obvious red flag.
2. Fake Financial Enticement
The email states that you are entitled to $2.5 million USD, an amount that is too good to be true. Scammers frequently use large sums to entice victims into believing they have a windfall.
3. Urgency and Threats
The scammer pressures you by claiming that if you do not act quickly, your funds will be diverted to the government. Scammers use fear tactics to make victims react without thinking critically.
4. Advance Payment Scam
The email asks for a $100 fee (or a partial payment of $50) to process your funds. This is a classic advance-fee scam, where victims are asked to pay a small amount upfront but never receive the promised money.
5. Unusual Payment Request
Instead of asking for a direct bank transfer, the scammer insists on payment via Steam Wallet Card, Xbox Gift Card, or Apple Gift Card. Legitimate financial institutions will never request payment in gift cards.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Suspicious email address: The sender uses an address ending in
@lasalleschool.ac.th, which is unrelated to Western Union. - Grammar and spelling errors: The message contains awkward phrasing and grammatical mistakes, typical of scam emails.
- Fake Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN): The email provides a bogus MTCN number (543-170-8229) to appear legitimate.
- Threats and insults: The scammer warns victims not to visit a Western Union branch and even calls non-compliant recipients “fools and thieves.”
What to Do If You Receive This Email
- Do NOT respond or send any money.
- Report the scam email to [email protected] (UK) or your local fraud reporting authority.
- Mark the email as spam and block the sender.
- Warn others about the scam to prevent them from becoming victims.
- Educate yourself on common scam tactics by following trusted scam awareness forums and cybersecurity websites.
Final Thoughts
This Western Union scam email is a textbook example of an advance-fee fraud, designed to steal money from unsuspecting individuals. If you receive such an email, remember—Western Union does not offer free money, and any request for payment via gift cards is a scam. Stay vigilant and share this warning to help others avoid falling victim to these fraudsters.