Western Union E-mail Scam After Users’ Personal Details

Fake mails claiming to be from Western Union are hitting the inboxes of netizens. The security experts stated that the mail comes along with a computer virus which attacks naive users' system. Some of the mails are used to steal users' private details.

One of the fake e-mails asserts that the payment sent by the recipient had been impeded. The mail alerts the recipient and states that their security service has blocked the wire sent to Moscow's Vladimir Kirkorov. It further informs the user that the transaction has been stopped by the bank issuing his credit card by demanding the Federal Criminal Investigation Service.

To unravel the issue, the mail asks recipients to contact the nearest office of Western Union and also asks the recipient to ensure that he has his ID card, the credit card that was used for the payment and print out of the invoice file affixed with the email.

According to the report, the e-mail comes with an attachment known as MTCN.zip, the zip file carries an executable file that, in turn, carries a computer virus, and in case this file is run, the user's computer will get infected.

Another bogus e-mail abusing Western Union to steal recipient's private data is also discovered. The content of the e-mails states that the recipient's account has been lately operated from some foreign country. It further states that while the user might be travelling abroad, the firm has an obligation towards protecting his safety.

Afterwards, the mail asks the user to verify his private details or else his account service could be interrupted. An URL is also provided within the mail to put forward the required details.

The security experts have advised recipients to be careful of the phony mails. If they get mail identical to these, they should not reply or click on the link. Rather, they should immediately delete such mails before even opening them. By opening or seeing a preview of the mail or by clicking on the link, the PC may disjointedly download a spyware or virus.

In case of any doubt, users are asked to contact the Western Express straightforwardly. Further, users are recommended to use personal firewall, spam filter software and anti-virus solution.

Related article: Western Suburbs Hit With Internet Fraud

» SPAMfighter News - 1/11/2010