Internet Frauds and Scams - Part XI : More on Bogus Internet Lottery

Internet Frauds and Scams - Part XI

More on Bogus Internet Lottery

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 )