Scam Warning

Members should be aware of a current email scam using the Lotterywest logo advising of a bogus Lotto win.

The email advises recipients that they have won a million dollars in a random draw by Lotterywest, in conjunction with the UK National Lottery Commission.

It is likely that, to release the funds, the recipients will need 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.

WA ScamNet and Lotterywest warns consumers not to respond to the email as it will put them at great risk of identity theft and also lets scammers know that the email address is live and they will be the target of further scam attempts.

• 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
   

More information is available on the Department of Commerce WA ScamNet website.