Lotto email scam prompts warning
Issue Date: - Thursday, 2 February 2012
Consumer Protection and Lotterywest have issued a joint warning after reports of WA consumers receiving a scam email advising them of a bogus Lotto win.
The email uses the Lotterywest logo and other unauthorised images and advises recipients that they have won a million dollars in a random draw held in conjunction with the UK National Lottery Commission.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll warned consumers not to respond to the email as it will put them at great risk.
“Responding to the email lets scammers know that the email address is live and you will be the target of further scam attempts,” Ms Driscoll said.
“People who have responded have received a fake certificate which displays the Lotterywest, WA Government and UK National Lottery Commission logos and claims that the winnings are being held for release.
“It is likely that the promoters of this scam will require the recipients to disclose their bank account details and provide identification which puts them at risk of being victims of identity theft. It is also highly likely that the scammers will request some sort of fee to cover the release of the prize money.”
Lotterywest advises that winners of their lotteries will never be contacted by email or SMS and recipients of this scam email should delete it immediately.
WA ScamNet advises that consumers should NEVER:
- pay money in advance to claim a prize
- use wire transfer as a payment method if the receiver is a stranger
- reveal personal or secure information, like bank account or credit card details, to unknown parties
- respond to uninvited emails or text messages proclaiming a lottery win.
The WA ScamNet website has more information about scams: www.scamnet.wa.gov.au. To report a scam call Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54 or email scamquery@commerce.wa.gov.au.
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Media Contact: Alan Hynd 9282 0961 or 0429-078791 alan.hynd@commerce.wa.gov.au