[Ultima actualización: 15/oct/03]

15/oct/03 - Madrid, 15 de octubre de 2003 (20minutos.es). Caen 123 timadores de una red que ha engañado a 500 víctimas. La mayoría de los detenidos son nigerianos y se dedicaban a estafar con tres métodos a españoles y extranjeros: "Gordo de la lotería" (por 500.000 euros), y "Cartas nigerianas" (total 30 millones de euros).
Más información: "Capturan a timadores del bulo de la Lotería y otros", http://www.vsantivirus.com/15-10-03.htm

Hace unos meses, en nuestra sección HOAXES advertíamos sobre este bulo. Básicamente un mensaje donde se nos avisa que somos los felices ganadores de una fortuna en la lotería de algún país casi siempre lejano (ver "Hoax: Ganador de la lotería de Bélgica", http://www.vsantivirus.com/hoax-loteria1.htm).

29/may/03: Una nueva variante de este SCAM hace referencia (en español) al GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA LOTTERY. Ver "Ejemplo 4".

1/jun/03: Variante de este SCAM que hace referencia a SPOTTY LOTTO PROMOTIONS UK. Ver "Ejemplo 5".

25/jul/03: Variante de este SCAM que hace referencia a SEA FIELD VENTURES (Ver "Ejemplo 6") y UNIVERSAL STAKES LOTTERY. ("Ejemplo 7").

Por supuesto, hay muchas variantes (en este artículo, al final publicamos algunos ejemplos), pero básicamente no cambia el contenido. Más allá de las razones que en ese momento dábamos para considerarlo un engaño, se esconde detrás de todos una estafa común, algunos de cuyos capítulos intentaremos explicar, con la intención que sirva de referencia para no caer en trampas similares.

Todo surgió a raíz de la consulta de una lectora, quien también nos decía que había logrado conectarse telefónicamente con los remitentes de la supuesta notificación del premio.

A raíz de eso hicimos una investigación propia, descubriendo un modus operandi con muy pocas diferencias entre los distintos casos que llegamos a rastrear. Esperamos que esto ayude a entender como funciona este SCAM (un bulo mezclado con estafa).

Estos son los pasos más comunes en todos los casos:

1. Recibimos el mensaje con la notificación de un premio. El monto, el tipo de lotería o la razón del premio varían. Diferentes países, diferentes remitentes, incluso en ocasiones se menciona a Bill Gates como patrocinador de algo relacionado con el premio. Claramente huele a trampa por todos lados, pero también está claro que es un terreno fértil para atrapar inocentes e incautos navegantes. Y algunos pensarán, ¿qué pierdo con probar?. Muchos no repararán en el hecho de que generalmente proviene de un servicio de correo gratuito (¿regalando todo ese dinero no tienen un dominio propio?, vaya...). Por supuesto, también se nos pide que no le revelemos a nadie el hecho, con el peligro de perderlo todo si lo hacemos antes de haber cobrado el dinero.

2. Se pide llamar a un número de otro país para reclamar el premio y dar el resto de la información pedida en el mensaje. En algunos casos ese país es España, u Holanda, etc. Ello varía, y es válido inclusive enviar un FAX, por lo que el costo no sería demasiado tampoco (sería una sola llamada de corta duración).

3. Increíblemente responden (con otro e-mail), avisando que nos van a mandar un tercer mensaje con más información. Un detalle, muchas veces el mensaje proviene de otro dominio, también gratuito. Y lo adornan con más información para hacernos tragar el engaño.

4. Llega el tercer mensaje, en donde nos dicen que le enviemos 150 euros o dólares, según el caso, por Western Union a una persona determinada, a los efectos de iniciar los trámites para abrirnos una cuenta, etc. Casi siempre es una cantidad similar.

Obviamente, si usted llegó a este punto y mandó el dinero, que quiere que le diga... :)

La trampa es muy evidente, y también parece ser que alguien siempre cae. Demás estaría preguntarnos en este punto como con un premio tan importante, tenemos que pagar nosotros los "gastos extras" (incluso si fuera necesario, podrían descontarlo del premio ¿no?). Por otra parte, si la transacción fuera con alguna institución como clama serlo, no sería válido el envío vía Western, ya que por ese medio solo se aceptan envíos de dinero entre personas.

Pero se selecciona Western por una razón. El envío de dinero por esta empresa es instantáneo. Prácticamente uno lo deposita en un país, y de inmediato, en otro país de cualquier parte del mundo, la otra persona puede retirarlo. Eso sirve para hacer más difícil seguir un rastro, ya que obviamente no vuelven a repetirse los lugares para la recepción de los euros o dólares. Los mensajes incluso muestran una fecha de "caducidad", como verán en los distintos ejemplos.

Deben existir muchas trampas similares, pero esperamos que los detalles de esta variante, sirvan para que nadie llegue a caer en engaños como estos. Recuerde, en Internet todos los gatos son pardos, hasta que se demuestre lo contrario.

Lástima... más de uno nos ilusionamos con haber ganado por lo menos una vez en la vida un premio gordo como éste... :)

--- Ejemplo 1 del SCAM ---

From: "Sea field Ventures" <seafield2004@lycos.com>
To: <undisclosed-recipients:;>
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 2:15 PM
Subject: Lottery Winning information.

SEA FIELD VENTURES
(ACCREDITED LICENSED AGENT TO GLOBAL LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL)
Ref. Number : 2367/678-0122
Batch Number : 837435611223-GLI/03
Sir/Madam,

We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners International programs held on the 1st January, 2003. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number 27511465896-6410 with Serial Number 4204-777 Drew lucky numbers 7-21-23-54-67-88 which consequently Won in the 1st category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay of $ 400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Dollars).

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Due to mix up of some numbers and names, 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.

All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn for only for Microsoft users from over 20,000 company and 300,000 individual email addresses and names from all over the world. This promotional program takes place every three years.

This lottery was promoted and sponsored by the owner of the World's largest software (MICROSOFT), we hope with part of your winning you will take part in our next subsequent stake that will be held in October 2003 of US$2,000,000.00 (Two Million Dollars) international lottery.

To file for your claim, please contact our FIDUCIAL Agent in Spain, MR. HANS WILLIAMS of SEA FIELD VENTURES on 0034-687-674-899 for your wining/Processment and Claim: Please be aware that your Paying Bank will Effect Payment Swiftly upon Satisfactory Report and Verifications provided by our processing Agency (SEA FIELD VENTURES).

Remember, all winning must be CLAIMED not later than Monday 26th of May, 2003.

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 numbers in all correspondence. 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 promotional program.

Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is AUTHOMATICALY DISQUALIFIED.

Yours Sincerely,
,
Mrs. Evelyn Van Borsch.

--- Ejemplo 2 del SCAM ---

De: "INTERNATIONALLOTTERYINC" <internationallotteryinc@rediffmail.com>
Asunto: CONGRATULATIONS!!!YOU'VE WON.

INTERNATIONAL LOTTERY INC.

FROM:THE DESK OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
INTERNATIONAL LOTTERY INC/PRIZE AWARD DEPT.
Ref. Number:EGS/2551256012/02
Batch Number:14/0017/1PD
ATTENTION.

Sir/Ma/Miss,

We are pleased to inform you of the result of the winners of the International Lottery programs held on the 15th March,2003.Your e-mail address attached to ticket number 025--11464992--750 with serial number 2113--05 drew lucky numbers 8-10-23-30-32-49 which consequently won in the 3rd category.You have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay of US$ 150,000.00(One hundred and fifty thousand United States Dollars) in cash credited to file REF NO:EGS/2551256012/02.This is from a total cash prize of US $2.250.000.00(Two million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars)shared among the fifteen international winners in this category.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!


Due to mix up of some numbers and names 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.

All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from over 20,000 company and 30,000,000 individual email addresses and names from all over the world.This promotional program takes place every three years,the lottery was promoted and sponsored by the President of the World Largest software,Bill Gates.We hope with part of your winning you will take part in our next year USD 50 million international lottery.To file for your claim please contact our financial agent,Foriegn operations manager ERIK MOORE of the Macarthy Finance Trust Security Services with your telephone and fax numbers.

TEL:0031-630118250
FAX:0031-645678572

Remember all winning must be claimed not later than 12th of May 2003. 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 numbers in all correspondence.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 promotional program.


Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.

Sincerely yours,

KATTY GARCIA.
Lotto Co-ordinator

--- Ejemplo 3 del SCAM ---

From: "Deglobal Lottery Belgium" <deglobal_lottery@rediffmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 7:40 PM
Subject: CONGRATULATION.


DE GLOBAL LOTTERY BELGIUM.
ANTWERPENSTEENWEG 116.
1000 BRUSSELS.
BELGIUM.

FROM:THE DESK OF THE PROMOTIONS MANAGER,
INTERNATIONAL PROMOTIONS/PRIZE AWARD DEPARTMENT,
REF: EGS/2551256003/02
BATCH: 14/0017/IPD

ATTENTION:
RE/AWARD NOTIFICATION:FINAL NOTICE

We are pleased to inform you of the announcement
today,19th of February 2003 ,of winners of the DE GLOBAL LOTTERY/ INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS BELGIUM. held on 15th of December 2002, as part of our year bonanza.

Your company, attached to ticket number 045-1245-2001-521,with serial number 3113-05 drew the lucky numbers 16-15-12-27-35-63,andconsequently won the lottery in the 3rd category.

You have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay of US$1.150,000.00 in cash credited to file REF NO. DLP/2951256002/02.

This is from total prize money of US$17.950,000.00 shared among the seventeen international winners in this category.All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn form 25,000 names from Middle East,Asia,Africa, America, Europe and North America as part our International Promotions Program, which is conducted annually.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Your fund is now deposited with a Finance and Security House insured in your name. Due to the mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep this award strictly from public notice until your claim has been processed and your money remitted to your account.This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming or unscrupulous acts by participants of this program.

We hope with a part of you prize, you will participate in our end of year high stakes US$1.3 billion International Lottery.

To begin your claim,please contact your claim agent:

CLARK WOOD
FOREIGN SERVICE MANAGER,
UNIVERSAL WINNINGS BVBA
TEL:+32-485-205-909
EMAIL:universal@winning.com

For due processing and remittance of your prize money to a designated account of your choice.

Remember, you must contact your claim agent not later than 3rd of March 2003.After this date, all funds will be returned as unclaimed.

NOTE:In order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications, please remember to quote your reference and batch numbers in every one of your correspondences with your agent.

Furthermore, should there be any change of your address, do inform your claims agent as soon as possible.

Congratulations again from all our staff and thank you for being part of our promotions program.


Sincerely,

THE PROMOTIONS MANAGER,
DE GLOBAL LOTTERY BELGIUM.

N.B. Any breach of confidentiality on the part of the winners will result to disqualification. Please do not reply to this mail. Contact your claim agent.

--- Ejemplo 4 del SCAM ---

EL GORDO SPANISH SWEEPSTAKE LOTTERY COMPANY S.L.
CALLE AROYO NO. 13 PISO 4G28030 MADRID. ESPAÑA.
EL GORDO TEL: + 34 636908798 FAX: +34 620665824
E-MAIL: elgordoloteria@netscape.net
....................

FROM: THE DESK OF THE VICE PRESIDENT.
INTERNATIONAL PROMOTIONS/PRIZE AWARD DEPT.
BATCH: EGS/2551256003/02 , REFERENCE:14/0017/IPD
DATE: 17th of May 2003

ATTENTION:

Dear Sir,

RE: AWARD FINAL NOTIFICATION.
This is to inform you on the release of the EL- GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA LOTTERY held on the 17th of May 2003. Due to the mix up of numbers and addresses, the results were released on the 20th of May 2002.Your name attached to ticket number 031-1127-841 with serial number 3214-07 drew the lucky numbers of 1 -14-35-36-37-49-18 which consequently won the lottery in the 3rd category.You have therefore been approved for a lump sum payout of ¬uros 615,810.00 ( SIX HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND TEN Euros ONLY) in cash credited to file with REF. NO. EGS/2551256003/02. This is from a total cash prize of Euros 16,621,340.00 ( SIXTEEN MILLION SIX HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONE THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED AND FOURTY Euros ONLY) Shared among the thirty one international winners in this category.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

Your fund is now deposited with a Security Company and insured in your name. Due to mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep this award from public notice until your claim has been processed and money remitted to your account as this is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming or unwarranted taking advantage of this program by participants as it has happened in the past.

All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from 25,000 names from Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, America Africa and North America as part of our International promotions program. We hope your lucky name will draw a bigger cash prize in the subsequent programs. To begin your lottery claims, please contact your claims agent ,

MR OSCAR MARTINEZ Foreign operations manager OBIEZE SEGURIDAD S.A on Tel: +34 606-272-017 and Fax: +34 606 272 033 or by e-mail: obiezeseguridad@netscape.net ) for the processing and remittance of your winning prize money to a designation of your choice. Remember, all prize money must be claimed not later than, 4th of August 2003. After this date if not claimed, the fund will be returned to the MINISTERIO DE ECONOMIA Y HACIENDA. And also be informed that 10% of your Lottery Winning belongs to OBIEZE SEGURIDAD S.A. because they entered your name for this draw and they are your claims agent. This 10% will be remitted after you have received your winnings because the money is insured in your name already.

NOTE: In order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications, please remember to quote your reference and batch numbers in every correspondence with us or your agent. Furthermore, should there be any change of your address, do inform your claims agent as soon as possible. An original copy of your prize Winning Certificate will be sent to you after you have claimed your winning. Congratulations once again from all members of our staff and thank you for being a part of our International promotions program. We wish you continued good fortunes.

Sincerely,

JOSE LUIS ESPINOSA

VICE PRESIDENT

--- Ejemplo 5 del SCAM ---

SPOTTY LOTTO PROMOTIONS,
345 CHURCHMEAD,
CHAMBEWELL RD
LONDON.


FROM: THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR PROMOTIONS,
INTERNATIONAL PROMOTIONS/PRIZE AWARD DEPARTMENT,

REF: SLP/026-5B8C8N85074

ATTENTION: AWARD NOTIFICATION; FINAL NOTICE

We are pleased to inform you of the announcement today, 1st June 2003, of winners of the SPOTTY LOTTO PROMOTIONS/ INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS held on 20th April 2003.

Your are, attached to ticket number 3 - 0382 - 8642 - 032 , with serial number FV-UX654 drew the lucky numbers 453 - 7333 - 7042 - 992 , and consequently won in category C. You have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of 750,000.00 Pounds Sterling in cash credited to file REF NO. SLP/026-5B8C8N85074, This is from total prize money of 11,250,000.00 Pounds sterling shared among the international winners in the category C. All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from 30,000 names from Australia, New Zealand, America, Asia, Europe and North America as part our International Promotions Program, which is conducted annually.

CONGRATULATIONS! Your fund is now deposited with a Finance and Security House insured in your name. Due to the mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep this award strictly from public notice until your claim has been processed and your money remitted to your account. This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming or unscrupulous acts by participants of this program. We hope with a part of you prize, you will participate in our end of year high stakes 135.3 Million Pounds International lotto. To begin your claim, please contact your claims officer immediately:

GEOFFERY BROWN, FOREIGN SERVICE MANAGER, SPOTTY LOTTO PROMOTIONS UK, Via e mail: spottypromotions@primposta.com.

For due processing and remittance of your prize money to a designated account of your choice. Remember, you must contact your claims officer not later than June 18th 2003. After this date, all funds will be returned as unclaimed. NOTE: In order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications, please remember to quote your reference number in every one of your correspondences with your officer. Furthermore, should there be any change of your address, do inform your claims officer as soon as possible.

Congratulations again from all our staff and thank you for being part of our promotions program.

Sincerely,


THE DIRECTOR PROMOTIONS,
SPOTTY LOTTO PROMOTIONS.


N.B. Any breach of confidentiality on the part of the winners will result to disqualification

--- Ejemplo 6 del SCAM ---

SEA FIELD VENTURES
(ACCREDITED LICENSED AGENT TO GLOBAL LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL)
Ref. Number : 2367/678-0122
Batch Number : 837435611223-GLI/03


Sir/Madam,

We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners International programs held on the 1st January, 2003. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number 27511465896-6410 with Serial Number 4204-777 Drew lucky numbers 7-21-23-54-67-88 which consequently Won in the 1st category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay of $ 400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Dollars).

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Due to mix up of some numbers and names, 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.

All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn for only for Microsoft users from over 20,000 company and 30,000,000 individual email addresses and names from all over the world. This promotional program takes place every three years.

This lottery was promoted and sponsored by the owner of the World?s largest software (MICROSOFT), we hope with part of your winning you will take part in our next subsequent stake that will be held in October 2003 of US$2,000,000.00 (Two Million Dollars) international lottery.

To file for your claim, please contact our FIDUCIAL Agent in Spain Mr. Hans Williams of THE SEA FIELD VENTURES on 0034-687-674-899 for your wining/Processment and Claim: Please be aware that your Paying Bank will Effect Payment Swiftly upon Satisfactory Report and Verifications provided by our processing Agency (SEA FIELD VENTURES).

Remember, all winning must be CLAIMED not later than Monday 28th of July, 2003.

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 numbers in all correspondence. 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 promotional program.

Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is AUTHOMATICALY DISQUALIFIED.

Yours Sincerely,

Mrs. Evelyn Van Borsch.

--- Ejemplo 7 del SCAM ---

FROM: UNIVERSAL STAKES LOTTERY
SWITZERLAND.
REF NUMBER: 014/060/532
BATCH NUMBER: 762901-PCD03


Sir/Madam,

We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners International programs held on the 3rd of May, 2003. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number 27522465896-6453 with serial number 3772-554 drew lucky numbers 7-14-18-23-31-45 which consequently won in the 2nd category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of 2,000,000 (EUROS) (TWO MILLION EUROS)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

For security purpose and clarity, we advise that you keep your winning information confidential until your claims have 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. All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from over 20,000 companies and 30,000,000 individual email addresses and names from all over the world.

This promotional program takes place every year. This lottery was promoted and sponsored by eminent personalities like the Sultan of Brunei. We look forward to your active participation in our next year USD50 million slot.

You are requested to contact our clearance office to assist you with the claim and transfer of your winnings fund into your instructed account.

Email address universelotto@redif*mail.com

Note that, all winnings must be claimed not later than one month. After this date all unclaimed funds will be null and void.

Please note in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications, remember to quote your reference number and batch numbers in all correspondence.

Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform our agent as soon as possible.

Congratulations once more and thank you for being part of our promotional program.

NOTE: YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFIED IF YOU ARE BELOW 18 YEARS OF AGE.

Sincerely yours,
Harry Clark.
(Lottery Coordinator)

--- Final de los ejemplos ---

Referencias:

Hoax: Ganador de la lotería de Bélgica
http://www.vsantivirus.com/hoax-loteria1.htm


Actualizaciones:

29/may/03 - El Gordo Spanish Sweepstake Lottery (Ejemplo 4)
01/jun/03 - Spotty Lotto Promotions UK (Ejemplo 5)
25/jul/03 - Sea Field Ventures (Ejemplo 6), Universal Stakes Lottery (Ejemplo 7)
15/oct/03 - Capturan a timadores del bulo de la Lotería y otros





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(c) VSAntivirus - http://www.vsantivirus.com