Scams galore indeed

I read your interesting column every Sunday and was especially interested in the 'Scams galore' article. I received one of these last year from Spain.

However, I have today received the enclosed scam by e-mail advising me that I have won €800,000 in a competition in which I have not entered. Although the money would be useful, no one gives anything away for nothing and I am sure that this is another scam, which I have no intention of falling for.

Please warn your readers about this and tell them "You don't get anything for nothing" and if you fall for this, someone will have your personal details and probably your money as well! (Ron Barrass)

Here follow some excerpts from this scam:

"Re: Notifica del premio: Congratulazioni!!!

We are pleased to inform you that as a result of our recent Italian National Superenalotto draws held on June 1, 2006. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number: 27511465896-6410 with serial number 4204-777 drew lucky numbers 5-21-23-34-61-72, which consequently won in the 1st category.

You have therefore been approved for a lump sum payout of €800,000.00 (Eight Hundred Thousand euros). Note that all participants in this lottery program have been selected randomly through a computer ballot system drawn from over 200,000 companies and 30,000,000 individual e-mail addresses from all search engines and Websites.

This promotional program takes place every year, and eminent personalities like the Sultan of Brunei, Italia and other corporate organisations are involved. This is to encourage computers worldwide. For security purposes and clarity we advise that you keep your winning information confidential until your claims have been processed and your money remitted to you."

Finally, you are asked to send your personal details supposedly to facilitate the processing and releasing of your winnings. Whatever you do, never give your personal details. In a nutshell, such messages are only worth ignoring. If they come in the form of a letter, they belong in the bin.