Can you help me investigate a lottery operating on the Net?

Question

I have received some very convincing emails about supposed winnings from an on-line lottery. The emails have a link to a site bearing the same name as the emails and the site is very sophisticated, appearing to be authentic. The problem is, though the winnings seem to be substantial, the company supposedly handling the money transfer wants a large prepayment for its own fees, processing and insuring of the check which is to be sent by UPS. It has even generated a tracking number which is posted on a site bearing what appears to be the UPS logo. The prepaymetn is small compared to the winnings, yet, I am very leery.

I don't want advice about it's a scam, etc. What I want is someone who knows how, and is willing, to investigate this company via the Net.

Can anyone help me?

I am fully aware that this could very well be a scam. I'd appreciate not having answers telling me that. I'm asking for help because I'm suspicious that it probably is a hoax and want help verifying whether it is or isn't.

Answer 1

It is a violation of Federal Laws and needs to be reported to the FBI. The FBI does investigate and shut these crooks down. They are usually from other countries and think they are safe. This usually gets them caught easily and imprisoned easily. The FBI works with the other countries to arrest and prosecute them. Sometimes they are extradited to the U.S. and imprisoned.

http://www.ic3.gov/

Answer 2

Does this look like it? If so, it is most definitely a scam. Do a google search to find more info.

FROM:ANDALUCIA LOTTO SHOP-SPAIN.

REFF:/HGT/AWS/OO/ES.
BATCH:
ES/657/L08/PO5.

We are pleased to inform you of the result of 19th of
AUGUST 2006. Your e-mailaddress attached to ticket
number 4586998-52698
with game Number 11588 drew lucky
numbers 03,02,00,33,08,17 which
consequently won.You
have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay
out of
150,000.00 Euro.(One Hundred and Fifty
Thousand)
CONGRATULATIONS!!

All participants were selected through a computer
ballot system drawn from over 70.000.00 company and
1.000.000.00
individual email addresses and names from
Middel East, Asia,Africa,
Canada, Europe North and
south America, Oceania and around the world.
To file
for your claim, please contact our fiduciary agent;

STEPPINGSTONE SECURITY AGENCY
Mr.David A.Alvarez.
Email:
[e-mail]
Tel:[phone]

Due to mix up of some
numbers and names, we ask that
you keep your Winning information
confidential until
your claims have been processed. This is part of our
security protocol to avoid double claiming and
unwarranted abuse of
this program by some participant.

Please, note that you will be
required to pay for the
issuance of your winning certificate. Be notify
also
that all winnings must be claimed not later than 20th
September
2006 After this date all unclaimed winnings will
be null and void.In
order to avoid unnecessary delays
and complications remember to
quoteyour reference
number and batch numbers in all correspondence.
Furthermore,

should there be any change of address do inform our
agents as soon as possible.Congratulationsonce more
and thank you for
being part of our promotional
program. Note:Anybody under the age of 18
is
automatically disqualified.



Sincerely yours,

Mrs.Lola Franco,
Winning Co -ordinator.

ANDALUCIA LOTTO SHOPS/CENTRE.

What To Do If You Receive a Lottery Scam Email

If you receive one of these scam emails, it is important that you do not respond to it in any way. The scammers are likely to act upon any response from those they see as potential victims. Although it can be educational and even entertaining to "bait" these scammers, such endeavours should only be attempted under controlled conditions. The people who run these scams are criminals and could even resort to violence and intimidation to meet their aims. You should delete the email without replying. Alternatively, you can forward the email to the address supplied on the FraudWatch International website for further investigation.

Answer 3

There is no global police service for the internet.
There are however volenteers who have a lot of contacts globaly who do alot of damage to these scammers.
Have a look at www.fraudwatchers.org