14 DAY TRIAL // One of our readers has informed us of a new variation of the old Facebook Gold Membership scam that’s currently making the rounds.
The malicious emails inform recipients that they’ve won a “Gold membership status.” However, this version doesn’t specifically mention Facebook. Instead, the notification appears to come from the “United Kingdom Online promo team board.”
Unlike other scams of this type, potential victims are not only asked to provide their names and addresses, but also a copy of their driver's license, passport or other identification documents.
This makes it easier for the crooks to use the victim’s personal details for identity theft.
It goes without saying that you should not reply to such emails since the scammers probably have a lot of tricks up their sleeve to dupe you into thinking that you have genuinely won the “prize.”
Here’s what the emails look like:
“ATTENTION WINNER:
We are pleased to announce you as one of the lucky winner in the on going ONLINE 2012 END OF YEAR PROMO. Your email profile just completed It's 100% Gold membership status, Gold Membership Qualification Number: ( EM-57-2012, ONLINE-456-16).
Congratulation once Again your Gold membership email profile is among the selected profile pick up for the promo online worldwide. Ensure to Keep your Qualification number strictly confidential to avoid double claims and disqualification.
For more details on amount designated to you kindly please contact the information below with your full correspondence I.E Full Name, Address, and a scan copy of any valid identification of either you driver license or passport for our automated verification machine to verified your claims.
Contact Person:Peter Zimmerman. Email:[email protected] Text Tel #: +447933593863 Congratulations from the staff of the United Kingdom Online promo team board.
Yours Sincerely, Wilson Lambert Online coordinator N/B:Please note that you have less than 7 working working days to complete your claims process and all collections end 14/02/2013.”
Note. Hat tip to Douglas for informing us of this scam!