14 DAY TRIAL // Scammers are trying to trick users into handing over personal information and money by sending them bogus Diwali-themed emails.
One email identified by Symantec experts purports to come from the Reserve Bank of India and informs users that they’ve won the equivalent of $175,000 (€130,000) as part of a “Diwali Celebration Promotion.”
“Dear lucky winner, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, Secretary-General of the United Nations met with the Senate Tax Committee of Finance RBI Mumbai/Delhi branch. You have been awarded the total some of 4 Crore, 70 Lac Indian Rupees in the up-coming Diwali Celebration Promotion,” the emails read.
Recipients are instructed to contact the RBI regional director to claim their prize. Of course, there’s no promotion. Those who contact the crooks will be asked to pay certain fees needed to process the prize money.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the “festival of lights,” is a five-day Hindu festival. Diwali is an official holiday in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius, Singapore, Fiji and Malaysia.