Lottery Scams
Lottery scam
emails are increasing at an alarming rate.
It begins with
an email claiming the recipient has won a lottery. They are to contact a claims
agent to collect their winnings, usually at a free email address. The
unsuspecting consumer contacts the claims agent who sends a claim form to verify
their identity. They must return the form with their personal details along with
copies of their passport and driver’s license to “verify their true identity.”
This is where
the scam begins. The fraudsters now have enough information to duplicate the
consumer’s identity.
The responding
consumer receives an email with three options of how to collect their winnings.
They can have the money credited direct to their bank account, they can open an
account with a specified bank (bogus of course!), or they can pick up their
winnings personally (normally from Amsterdam).
Most people
want their winnings transferred into their bank account. This involves upfront
fees for taxes, insurance or even legal fees. Victims transfer money as
requested, usually via Western Union. If they do not want to pay upfront fees,
they can open an online account with a specified bank, who have a “policy” that
requires a deposit of around £2,000. This bank is fake.
Alternatively,
victims are able to pick up their money personally by travelling to Amsterdam,
where they are required to pay a release fee in cash, and receive their
winnings…….. usually in counterfeit currency.
Prevention
Do not respond
at all – you cannot win if you have not entered! If you have already responded
then cease all communication immediately.
If you have
already given personal details - these fraudsters are after enough information
to commit identity theft. They will request information such as personal contact
details, address, workplace, and next of kin details. They will also request
copies of passports and drivers licenses. When they have all this information,
they are then able to commit Identity Theft using all the personal information
obtained.
If they only
have your email address and telephone number, then you are not at risk. If you
have provided a majority of the above information, then you are at risk of
becoming a victim of Identity Theft.
If you have
already given money to these fraudsters for any variety of reasons,
unfortunately, there is not much chance of recovery. Once the fraudsters have
your cash, even if they are caught and prosecuted, your money is gone.
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