Toyota Lotto Scam

I'd only just posted my last article on scam lotteries when a new one popped into my junk mail, this one claims to be from Toyota and it's very authentic-looking.

Alas, it is a scam and if you scroll to the bottom you will see I've pasted Toyota's official reply to this scam.

TOYOTA INTERNATIONAL LOTTO (HEADQUARTERS) Customer Service Department Affiliate of Toyota Japan. #28 Kanashiwa road Tokyo JP

We are pleased to inform you of the announcement made today, You are among the winners of the TOYOTA CAR INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION PROGRAM

Participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from 2,500,000 email addresses of individuals and companies from all part of the world as part of our electronic business Promotions Program. As a result of your visiting various websites we are running the e-business promotions for. You/Your Company email address, attached to ticket number 719-226-1319, with serial number 902-66 drew the lucky numbers 5,12, 30, 11, 17, 43 and Bonus number 12 , Your INSURANCE Number: FLS433/ 453L /GMSA and consequently you won in the Second Category of the TOYOTA FORTUNE LOTTO DRAW.

You have therefore been approved for the payment of the sum of US$500, 000, 00 in cash, including a Toyota car which is the winning present /amount for the Second category winners. This is from the total prize money of US$2,650,000.00 shared among the international winners in the Second category.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Please be informed that your won fund of the sum of US$500,000.00 is now with the payee center. Contact our agent and give them your full names so that they will re-insure your winning fund under your full names. Together with the port where your winning car should be shipped to.

To begin your claim, please call our claim agent or send email immediately to:-.
Certificate Agent,
Toyota Email Lotto
Mr. Thomas Lee
E-mail: thomaslee@toyota-jp.cn
E-mail: info@toyota-jp.cn
Phone: +86 13420100150
NOTE: In order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications, Please quote your
1. Full name:
2. Address/contact number:
3. Country of origin:
4. Age:
5. Occupation:
6. Tel/fax:
Sincerely,
Mrs Ing Chuny Liu
Hon Cordinator
www.toyota.cn

And the official reply from Toyota posted at www.toyota.co.jp/en/announcement/060822.html


"TOYOTA INTERNATIONAL LOTTO", ETC.
Toyota Motor Corporation and its affiliated companies have no connection whatsoever with any lotteries that inform members of the public by e-mail that they have won a prize, even if the "Toyota" name appears in the e-mail, such as e-mails from the so-called "Toyota International Lotto", "Toyota Car Promotions", "Toyota Car International Promotion Program" and "Toyota Fortune Lotto Draw". Any such e-mail was not sent by us or with our permission. Members of the public should exercise extreme caution before responding to any such e-mail or providing any personal information or money, as any e-mail using the "Toyota" name and claiming to award a lottery prize is highly likely to be part of a fraudulent scheme.
Aug. 28, 2006Toyota Motor Corporation