On November 2 I recieved an email stating I was a random email account winner in a "Computer Ballot Sweepstakes Clarification Award 2008."
The original email title was "Congratulations."
The original signature on the email was from Mrs Ester Fisher.
They claim I had won 550,000 euros and that all I needed to do was confirm the reciept of the email and reply to a Mr George Walter. It also contained a list of 5 reference numbers; Ticket number, batch number, serial number etc.
I completed this step only and replied to the email and recieved another back in a week or so with an attachment (Claims/Processing Application Form). I was informed that I needed to fill it out and send back with photocopy ID. The form had a lot of personal information including next of kin, DOB and phone numbers. At this stage all the alarm bells were ringing. I did a quick Google search and found this information on the web. I never sent the form. I filed this report instead.
The second email was signed by Mr Goerge Walter.
From what I have read, it would appear that Mr George Walter would then ask me for a processing fee and bank account details. The winning money would of course not be forwarded and I would loose the processing fee. Bad Mr Walter.
If it is too good to be true... Then it probably is.
The telephone numbers and fax numbers supplied in the claims form are not connected. Another warning sign.
The written English in the emails I recieved from Merit Serguros Trust Agency was a little broken and left out common punctuation. This also caused alarm and saved me from this email scam.
I hope this helps consumers to keep thier money and helps authorites convict the people responsible for this scam.
Kevin
Brisbane
Australia
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