As the days lead up to the start of the 2010 World Cup, cybercriminals are busy drafting new scams and tactics to take advantage of the excitement surrounding the global event.
The latest scam involves an email saying telling users that their email address has won an award of a large sum of money and a free ticket and hotel in South Africa.
An example of the fraudulent email is below:
ATTENTION EMAIL OWNER
The South Africa football federation announces to you the draw of South Africa 2010
Soccer World Cup Awareness Grant Award programs held in Zurich, Switzerland, your
e-mail address won the sum of US$1,200,000.00.
REF NUMBER: FFC/198GT08/05/ZZA, WINNING NUMBER: 12 19 25 21 44 59 with
a bonus 16, AMOUNT WON: $1,200,000.00.USD. You are entitle to a free ticket and
hotel reservation during your stay in South Africa. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO
CONTACT OUR REPRESENTATIVE IN CHARGE OF THE GAMES AND
PAYMENT WITH PROVE THAT YOU ARE THE ACTUAL OWNER AND USER OF
THE EMAIL ADDRESS.BELOW IS HIS CONTACT DETAILS: Call his office on telephone, or send him an
email.
Mr. Tshabalala Modise Tel: +27 732 212 357
E-Mail: prizeclaims25@yahoo.com.hk
Sincerely, Mrs. Trina Hughes
Online Lottery Co-ordinator

This lottery scam is just one example of the many scams surrounding this year’s World Cup soccer tournament. People also need to beware of fake tickets being sold as well as hotel and accommodations being booked for the event being held South Africa. In such cases, cybercriminals sell fake tickets online, which users likely won’t be able to determine the authenticity until game day, as well as booking hotels or house rentals that don’t exist.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11th, 2010 and is yet another example of why 2010 is a great year to be a scammer.