A New Email Rip-Off Message

[Quasi]

Well, these things seem never ending.

One thing 7 years in I.T. has taught me is that you don't reply to them. I'm posting most of the email here as a warning to others. I loved the email address on it:

microsoftlottery@netscape.net

MICROSOFT EMAIL/INTERNET INTERNATIONAL LOTTERY.
FROM: INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION/PRIZE AWARD DEPT.

Attn: Winner,

We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Microsoft Email/Internet International Lottery programs held on the 09th of Febuary 2005.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Due to mix up of some names and numbers, your funds has been deposited and covered with insurance bond policy in Finance/Insurance company(AXA SEGUROS). We ask that you keep your winning information confidential until your claims has been processed and your money remitted to you. This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by some participants.

HOW WAS IT SELECTED/PLAYED?

All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from over 100,000 company and 50,000,000 individual email addresses and names from all over the world, so luckily for you, your E-mail address attached to ticket number 21415966-629 with lucky main number 06 13 18 22 49 drew lucky star numbers 01 07, which consequently won in the 2nd category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of €500,000.00. (Five Hundred Thousand Euro).

This lottery was promoted and sponsored by Bill Gates, President of Microsoft, the world's largest software company inorder to enhance and promote the use of Internet Explorer Users and microsoft-wares around the globe. This promotional program takes place every three year. We hope with part of your winning you will take part in our next Lottery Program, 50 Million Euro International lottery.

To claim your funds, please do contact the Axa Seguros S.A with the contact details below for the processing/concluding of your funds:

DR. ZACK PETERS (AXA SEGUROS S.A).

Email: axaseguros_sa@email.com OR zackpeteraxaseguros@yahoo.es


Remember, all winnings must be claimed not later than 09th of April 2005. After this date all unclaimed funds will be included in the next stake. Please note in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications please remember to quote your REFERENCE NUMBER and BATCH NUMBER in all correspondence to Axa Seguros S.A along with your FULL NAMES. Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform our agent as soon as possible.

Congratulations once more from our members of staff and thank you for being part of our promotion program. Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.

Sincerely yours,

Mrs. Sarah Perez Gonzalez.
Lottery Coordinator.

NOTE. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE, CONTACT AXA SEGUROS S.A FOR YOUR CLAIM.