Beware of scams

WE have been receiving quite a few letters on scams. Indeed this is the third week in a row that we have to warn readers about them. On November 27 we featured a letter from Maria Caruana. First they targeted her husband (about a year ago) and now they turned on her.

On December 4 we carried another message from the Spanish Embassy to warn readers about the money scams that have been carried out illegally by thieves who illegally misuse references made to such institutions known as the Spanish lottery El Gordo.

Unfortunately the originators of these scams take advantage of the simple fact that, out of every 100 or so scam letters they send, it is possible that a number of people will fall for it. Moreover, they are persistent.

This time we must warn you about another scam in which potential victims receive a message informing them that they have won a terrific holiday in exotic places like Florida, Hawaii or the Bahamas. The receiver is asked to complete a short form and send it to various e-mail addresses.

Receivers who fall for it will receive a reply asking them to phone their customer care number. The person who answers the call informs the 'winner' that he or she has won a holiday. This is followed by various fantastic descriptions to mislead the 'winner'. At the end of the phone call, the 'winner' is put through to their lawyer who informs the 'winner' that the conversation is being recorded.

The 'winner' is then informed about the exorbitant price of the holiday. However the 'winner' is informed that he or she will have to pay a fraction of the exorbitant sum quoted. At the end of the call the 'winner' is given a confirmation number and told to pay the agreed sum. In return you get nothing.

Well, be careful. Moreover, if you do receive such a scam, send me a copy.