| The
Internet lottery scam comes in several forms, from different organizations
located in various countries and continents - but look closely and
you will find several similarities in all offers.
In fact, these similarities give away their con-game and provide
pointers to detect a bogus offer.
---Sample of Bogus Lottery Mail ---
Subject: WINNING NOTIFICATION
Date: Mon, 03 Mar 2003 12:56:07
From: " ALPHA LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL"
alphalotteryint@winning.com
ALPHA LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL - AN AFFILIATE OF FOUND
MONEY INT'L LTD.
FROM: INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION/PRIZE AWARD DEPT.
REF: OGS/2311786008/01
BATCH: 14/011/IPD /NL
RE: WINNING NOTIFICATION .
Sir/Madam
We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners
International programs held on the 4th of February 2003. Your e-mail
address attached to ticket number 20511465886-629 with serial number
3772-99 drew lucky numbers 7-14-17-23-31-22 which consequently won
in the 2nd category, you have therefore been approved for a lump
sum pay out of 500,000.00 Euros. (Five Hundred Thousand Euros)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Due to mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep your
winning information confidential until your claims has been processed
and your money Remitted to you. This is part of our security protocol
to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by
some participants.
All participants were selected through a computer ballot system
drawn from over 100,000 company and 50,000,000 individual email
addresses and names from all over the world. This promotional program
takes place every three year. We hope with part of your winning
you will take part in our end of year Five million Euros International
lottery. To file for your claim, please contact our fiducial agent
MR GREGORY BENJAMIN, of the NORTH ATLANTIC CONSULTANCY (Monday -
Friday, b/w 9-5 o, clock G.M.T)
TEL:+31-613-934-980
FAX:+31-617-626-870
Email: info-NAC@consultant.com.
Remember, all winning must be claimed not later than 21st of March,
2003. After this date all unclaimed funds will be included in the
next stake. Note that in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications,
please remember to quote your reference number and batch numbers
in all correspondence. Furthermore, should there be any change of
address do inform our agent as soon as possible.
Congratulations once more from our members of staff and thank you
for being part of our promotional program.
Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.
Yours Faithfully,
Mrs. Elizabeth Van Bosch
Lottery Coordinator.
-----END - Bogus Lottery Mail----
What Happens If You Contact Them ?
You contact the so called 'fiduciary agent' and get
response like following:
"Congratulations! - We are pleased to send you a cashier's check
for your winnings. Simply fill out the attached form and send in
a $250 processing fee."
In another form of the scam - you are called on the phone and told
you've won millions of dollars. You're asked to meet a so-called
lottery official at a hotel in a big city to get your winnings.
You're also asked to bring a cashier's check to pay the income taxes
on your winnings.
There may be other versions (these con artists are really creative)
- but the end result remains same. You will be asked to pay an advance
fee upfront.
Related Links:
Source: FAIDA
- Newsletter on Business Opportunties from India and Abroad
Vol: 3, Issue 48
March 27' 2003
Author :
Dr. Amit K. Chatterjee
(Amit worked in blue-chip Indian and MNCs for 15 years in various
capacities like Research and Information Analysis, Market Development,
MIS, R&D Information Systems etc. before starting his e-commerce
venture in 1997. The views expressed in this columns are of
his own. He may be reached at amit@infobanc.com
) |
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