Lottery Scam Hit a New York Resident

John Patrik Killian of 80 Years residing in New York is recently victimized through an e-mail lottery scam. The e-mail held claims of winning a huge jackpot amount and further demanded a certain amount as fees for getting the clearance, reported lotterypost in April 5, 2012.

According to the Federal search warrant records, the inquiry started in February 2011, immediately following a complaint filed in Internal Revenue Service (IRS), regarding the transfer of a large sum of money to an account at national West Minister Bank in United Kingdom from Killian's account.

However, the incident initiated when phishing e-mails started coming in June 2008 from individuals, who seemed to belong to the IRS, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), and the World Bank. The mail subtly informed the recipient of a big amount, US$ 8.3 Million Dollars ready for dispersal, reveals the search warrant affidavit.

Investigation of 26 subsequent activity report and five currency transaction reports, revealed a total loss of around US$ 100,000 to the scheme, affidavit says.

Official's highlights that Killian was struck by advance fee scam e-mails, which seem to come from a genuine institution. It confirmed the recipient that of winning million of dollars in a lottery. The scam e-mail may be the first step in multi step scheme, in which the victim is later contacted through a telephone or e-mail and advised to submit the taxes for completing the whole process. Thinking that a small processing fee would make them rich overnight, some people obey this. However the scams run away with the money. But actually no genuine financial institution is responsible for this type of lottery or any other winning.

Thus, it is recommended to remain ever vigilant when informed about winning any lottery. If you haven't entered in a contest, then be sure of being in a scam. Moreover, do not send any money to claim the prize. It is illegal for upfront money for a prize. However, if ever you receive any such mail, report it immediately to the Attorney General Office by calling on the hotline number or file a complaint with the police.

Related article: Lottery Scam Using Skype Message & Phone Gaining Ground in China

» SPAMfighter News - 4/17/2012