April 24th 2014
Mechanic Neil Trotter's massive Euromillions lottery win last month has spawned a flood of fraudulent emails.
41 year-old Mr Trotter publically revealed winning £107.9 million in March, and the scam emails promise the recipient a share of his winnings. Here's an example:
Subject: Funds Donation
Mr. Neil Trotter gave you part of his lottery winnings as charity, Please respond to this email with your name, address and phone number. See link for proof: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-26627075
Perfect Grettings,
My name is Neil Trotter the current winner of £108 million Pounds on the just concluded Euromillion Jackpot Draw for 2014,and i bring to you a perfect good news for such a perfect timing as this. I know this is surprising for you to have received this at this very early stage.
But because i just received the cheque on Friday 14th of March 2014 and i am excited, so i am willing to donate £1,000,000 (One Million Great Britain Pounds) to you and as part of my effort to alleviate poverty and care for the less privileged around the world, i have decided to donate to just 15 people around the globe which you are a part of.
So do get back to us quickly via email at: neiltrotter002@[address concealed]
Perfect Regards
Neil Trotter.
This is a phishing email designed to obtain your personal information, which could be used to commit fraud and/or identity theft. It is also likely that if you respond as the scammers wish, they will require a 'fee' to complete the transfer of the non-existent funds.
Like many phishing emails, this one carries tell-tales signs that it is a hoax including not using your name and poor grammar and spelling. Besides which, stop and think if a lottery winner would really offer you – a complete stranger – some of his or her new-found fortune.
If you receive one of these emails, under no circumstances should you click on the link, open an attachment (if it contains one), pass it on or respond to it. Instead, you should delete it and report it to Action Fraud by clicking here or by calling 0300 123 2040 .
Fraudsters are renowned for taking advantage of previous high profile large lottery wins, including that of Ayrshire couple Colin and Chris Weir in 2011.
