14 DAY TRIAL // No, Facebook is still not running a lottery. If you come across emails that claim you’ve won a big prize as part of a Facebook Lottery, delete it since it’s sent by scammers.
Facebook lottery scams have been making the rounds for years. The latest variant, identified by Hoax Slayer, reads something like this:
“We are pleased to inform you of the result of the just concluded annual Final draws held on the (30th of March 2014) by Facebook group in cash Promotion to encourage all Facebook users worldwide, your Name was among the 50 Lucky winners who won $600,000:00USD (Six Hundred Thousand United State Dollars) each on the Facebook group promotion Award Attached to ticket number (5647600545189) and Ref No (2551256002/244) Serial Number (55643451907).
So we need your fast response so that we can proceed with the delivery of your fund. You are required to contact our dispatch dept ( [email protected] ) and re-confirm your FULL INFORMATION, also please remember to quote your Ticket, Reference and Batch Numbers in all correspondences. Furthermore, if there is any change in email address please contact us on time.”
The emails have nothing to do with Facebook. Those who respond to the bogus notifications are asked to hand over their personal and financial information, and probably even some money that allegedly represents fees that need to be paid before the prize money can be transferred.
If you’re a victim of such a scam, put an end to all communications with the fraudsters. Hopefully, you haven’t reached the part where you hand over money.
You must take some steps to protect your bank account and your identity depending on what information you’ve handed over to the scammers. If you gave them your banking or credit card information, call your financial institution so that they can take the appropriate measures.
If you’ve handed over data such as social security number and date of birth, it might be wise to place a security freeze on your credit. For additional details on how to protect yourself against identity theft, check out the FTC’s advisory.