Warning against lottery scam

The Malta Financial Services Authority has warned the public against a new wave of spam letters informing recipients that they have won large cash prizes. The MFSA urged the public to be extremely cautious and not to rush into responding to any type of...

The Malta Financial Services Authority has warned the public against a new wave of spam letters informing recipients that they have won large cash prizes.

The MFSA urged the public to be extremely cautious and not to rush into responding to any type of letter with urgent requests for money to go towards taxes, bank costs, courier and processing fees necessary to deliver the prize.

These letters and e-mails seem to originate from a Spanish, Australian or UK company such as El Gordo, Loteria Primitiva or Australian Lottery, the authority said.

It advised people not to respond at all and if they have already responded they must cease all communication immediately. Credit card and bank account numbers must not be made public.

The authority said those who wish to obtain more information about this scam are invited to contact the MFSA's consumer complaints manager (tel: 8007 4924, direct: 2548 5313, e-mail address: consumerinfo@mfsa.com.mt).

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