Scammers continue to evolve their tactics, and the latest attempt involves a fraudulent email impersonating the FBI and the United Nations. This scam falsely claims that the recipient is entitled to a $205 million ATM debit card, but they must pay an upfront fee of $50 via gift cards or money transfer to receive it. Below, we break down this scam and explain how to protect yourself.
The Scam Email Details
From: Mrs Cathleen C [email protected]
Sent: 23 March 2025 09:22
Subject: $205 Million ATM debit card
Original Scam Email Content:
Re: $205M
I received instructions after the conclusion of an extraordinary meeting convened by the United NationsSecretary General on Thursday due to the CoronaVirus Pandemic worldwide. Decision was taken regarding your funds from the United Nations Secretary General, Due to problems created by CoronaVirus;
You are given a 24 hours deadline to apply and receive your approved $205 Million funds in your location. The FBI/UN Officials are now available in your location to release funds to you now immediately the Non resident slip is issued in your name. The actual fee is $550 but it was reduced to $50 due to the pandemic coronavirus to ensure you received the $205 Million ATM Debit card package today. The $205 Million ATM debit card issued in your favor will be canceled and forfeited if the required fee of $50 is not received after 12 hours. You will be able to withdraw $80,000 per day from any cash point or withdrawals machine with the visa /master logo on it, your protected pin will be in the ATM debit card package fully secured and to be delivered to you today. Avoid the loss of the funds today and send the $50 now.
Note: The package you will receive contains a prepaid $205 Million ATM debit Card with the required security document which was made in your name as the sole owner and it also includes the security pin you will use with the ATM debit card.
PLEASE NOTE; PHYSICAL CASH COUNTING VIDEO OF YOUR FUND IS AVAILABLE.
As the FBI most senior officer I will say the truth always, you need to get the non-resident issued from the origin of your funds. The sum of $50 is required to issue the slip and funds will be available to you today.
No time left and the fee needs to be paid today and the package will be delivered to you today.
PAYMENT PROCEDURE:
A. BY WESTERN UNION / MONEYGRAM / RIA MONEY TRANSFER OR
B. ITUNES CARDS OR STEAM WALLET $50 USD.
Send the $50 to the origin of your fund using WESTERN UNION / MONEYGRAM OR RIA MONEY TRANSFER.
I am online waiting for your reply with the $50 payment details so that you will get your fund today.
If you cannot send the $50 via RIA money transfer, you should buy the $50 iTunes card, ensure it's scanned and activated, scratch it and send a clear picture showing the codes and the face value of the cards to me. You can purchase the iTunes card at any mall or stores near you.
I attached my official identity.
Best wishes,
CHRISTOPHER A. WRAY
EMAIL: [email protected]
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Breaking Down the Scam
This scam email is riddled with red flags. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Fake Authority Figures: The scammer impersonates Christopher A. Wray, the actual director of the FBI, to make the email seem legitimate. However, real law enforcement agencies do not send random emails about large sums of money.
- Urgency & Threats: The email claims you only have 24 hours to respond, pressuring recipients into making a quick decision without verifying the legitimacy.
- Unrealistic Claims: No government or financial institution hands out $205 million via an ATM card.
- Unusual Payment Methods: Legitimate organizations do not ask for payments via iTunes cards, Steam gift cards, or money transfers.
- Poor Grammar & Formatting: The email contains numerous grammatical errors, which is common in scam emails.
Why This Scam Works
Scammers use psychological manipulation to pressure victims into acting without thinking. They create a sense of urgency, use fake legal terms, and promise life-changing sums of money to lure victims into compliance. Many people fall for these types of scams because they sound official, especially when they mention well-known organizations like the FBI and the United Nations.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify the Sender – Always check the email address. Legitimate emails from the FBI or United Nations would never come from random domains.
- Never Pay Fees Upfront – No real organization requires you to pay a fee to receive money that supposedly belongs to you.
- Ignore Urgency Tactics – Scammers pressure victims to act fast. Take your time and research before responding to any unsolicited email.
- Check for Red Flags – Look for grammar mistakes, unusual payment requests, and suspicious email addresses.
- Report the Scam – Forward scam emails to [email protected] or your local cybercrime agency.
Conclusion
This $205 Million ATM Debit Card Scam is yet another example of fraudsters attempting to steal money by impersonating government officials. The best way to fight back is through awareness and education. If you receive an email like this, do not respond—instead, report it and warn others.
Stay safe, stay informed – with FraudExpose.com.