Lottery Winners International Lottery Scam
The Lottery Winners International scam email shown below claims that the recipient has won money in an international lottery. The email is an attempt to initiate a discussion with potential victims and subsequently trick them into sending money to the scammers responsible. There is no "Lottery Winners International" and no prize money.
Example of the Lottery Winners International scam email(Submitted, May 2003)
Dear Internet Explorer User,
We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners
International programs for Internet Explorer Users Worldwide held
on the 1/12/2003. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number
275114656588-6410 with serial number 5798-510, batch number
466270566, and lottery ref number 6676629735 and drew lucky
numbers 8-60-88-23-66-45 which consequently won in the 2nd
category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out
of US$185, 450.00 (One Hundred and Eighty Five Thousand Four
Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars Only).
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Due to mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep
your winning information confidential until your claims have 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
2,000,000 company and 30,000,000 individual email addresses and
names from all over the world.
This promotional program takes place every three-year period.
This lottery was promoted and sponsored by Bill Gates, President
of Microsoft, the world's largest software company, we hope with
part of your winning you will take part in our next year
US$5Million international lottery. To file for your claim, please
contact our fiducial agent in Madrid, Spain below;
[CONTACT INFO REMOVED]
Remember, all winning must be claimed not later than 8th of
December 2003. After this date all unclaimed funds will be
included in the next stake. Please note 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 sincerely,
Elizabeth Liejon
Write-up by Brett M.Christensen
