Fifa warns of bogus lottery emails

Soccer fans targeted in email scam

Football's governing body is warning of an email lottery scam perpetrated by a number of companies.

Emails have been spammed out telling recipients that they have won a large sum, in some cases millions, in a Fifa lottery. The scammers then attempt to elicit bank account details from those who show interest in the emails.

"Fifa is concerned because the lotteries claim to be organised on behalf of, or in association with, Fifa, the 2006 Fifa World Cup Local Organising Committee and the 2010 Fifa World Cup Local Organising Committee," said the organisation in a statement on its website. 

"Fifa confirms that these lotteries have no connection with, or authorisation from, Fifa.

"Fifa also believes that it is unlikely that these lottery companies have any official connection with the Local Organising Committees for the 2006 or 2010 Fifa World Cup."

The different lotteries claim to be operated by companies based in various countries such as South Africa, Spain and the UK.

Fifa is collecting information and passing it to the appropriate authorities in the countries concerned for urgent investigation with a view to criminal proceedings.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, said: "Email scammers are attempting to trade on the good name of one of the world's greatest sporting tournaments. Everyone should be suspicious if they are unexpectedly told that they have won a fortune.

"Computer users who fall for this trick will be feeling as sick as a parrot when their bank accounts are emptied and they find they have become the victim of identity fraudsters."