On June 25, 2004, I received an e-mail from Lucky Strike Lottery UK, stating I was a winner of 6,500,000.00 Great Britain Pounds in the Category "A" Drawing of the Lucky Strike Lottery UK.
I replied, asking how to claim the money I had won in this lottery.
On, June 28, 2004, I received a reply from Mr. Andrew Young, Foreign Department Manager, Cash Change UK Ltd., with a form, attached to the e-mail. The form was to be completed and faxed back to Mr. Young, within 48 hours, inorder to receive instructions as to how I was to remit to him the Three Thousand Five Hundred and Sixty Great Britain Pounds, I would be required to pay, before I could claim the 6,500,000.00 Great Britain Pounds, I supposedly won in the Lucky Strike Lottery UK.
I became suspicious about submitting funds to receive funds. I took the two e-mails and form, I had received, to my bank. I asked them how I could find out if this lottery was legitiment.
I was referred to the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General of My State.
This is what I was told by the Better Business Bureau (and I quote): "International lotteries are illegal to US citizens and are often scams. These lotteries fall under the jurisdiction of the US Secret Service. Please contact them for further assistance."
This is what I was told by my state's Attorney General's Office (and I quote): "International Lotteries are illegal to Citizens of the United States. Anyone entering and/or winning one of these lotteries are subject to stiff penalties and possible prison terms."
When I made the comment, "I thought all my money problems had been solved, when I read those e-mails." I was told, "Honey, if you had entered and/or won one of those lotteries, which are not only illegal, but also, usually scams; YOUR Worst Nightmare and money problems, would have only just begun. Block that e-mail address from your computer and Never - Ever send such information, they were asking for, to anyone, on the internet. AND, if You had truly won a lottery, you would not have to pay a fee to receive the money you have won. However, You will have to pay taxes ONLY after the funds are in your possession."
I did not know International Lotteries were Illegal in the United States and I know most of the citizens of this country does not know it either.
Rachel
Monroe, North Carolina
U.S.A.