How to avoid falling for scams like "Central Loteria Nacional Europa"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is "Central Loteria Nacional Europa"?
We have examined the email and concluded that it is a fraudulent email posing as a letter from Central Loteria Nacional Europa. The email claims to be a final notification regarding unclaimed prize money. It alleges that an appointed legal advisor is processing the payment, but upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the email is an attempt to deceive recipients.
More about the "Central Loteria Nacional Europa" scam email
The scam, presented as an email from Central Loteria Nacional Europa, claims to be a final notification concerning unclaimed prize money. It asserts that the recipient is entitled to a total of EUR 8,740,302.10, with an initial prize amount of EUR 5,816,412.00.
The email alleges that an appointed legal advisor is processing the payment on behalf of the recipient. The narrative suggests that the unclaimed winnings have been lucratively invested for over two years, emphasizing a sense of urgency for the recipient to claim their supposed prize.
In order to proceed with the claim, the email provides a registration form for the prize claim. It requests personal information, including the recipient's name, address, profession, phone number, birth date, and email. It outlines a purported legal process handled by the mentioned legal firm, assuring that the verification process is free for the recipient and the associated costs will be covered by the International Lotto Commission.
Despite the seemingly official appearance, several red flags indicate that this is a phishing scam, including grammatical errors, urgency tactics, and the request for sensitive information. Recipients are advised to exercise extreme caution, refrain from providing personal details, and report such fraudulent emails to relevant authorities.
It is worth noting that this email has a PDF file attached to it, a fake lottery winning document that involves various elements designed to create an illusion of legitimacy. It contains a fake signature, logo, stamp, ticket, and other components to give the document an authentic appearance.
Scammers aim to exploit individuals by using fake documents and creating a sense of urgency to extract sensitive information or money. Providing such information can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and other forms of exploitation.
| Name | Central Loteria Nacional Europa Email Scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | The recipient is entitled to a large sum of money |
| Attachment | ABOGADOS MANUEL RICARDO SANCHEZ & CO.pdf |
| Disguise | Final notification regarding unclaimed prize money |
| Symptoms | Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of the computer. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Similar scam emails in general
Scam emails commonly share characteristics such as urgency, an element of surprise, requests for personal or financial information, grammatical errors, and the inclusion of hyperlinks leading to fraudulent websites. They often employ emotional tactics to evoke fear, excitement, or curiosity, aiming to manipulate recipients into taking hasty actions.
Additionally, scam emails may imitate official communication styles, using forged logos and false claims of authority to create a false sense of legitimacy. Users should exercise caution, scrutinize emails for these red flags, and verify the authenticity of any unexpected or suspicious messages before taking any action.
More examples of scam emails are "Purchase Order And Tax Invoice Email Scam", "Fund Donation Email Scam", and "INTERNATIONALE SPANISCHE ONLINE-LOTTERIE Email Scam". It is important to be aware that files and links in emails can be employed to trick recipients into infecting their computers with malware.
How do spam campaigns infect computers?
In one scenario, users may receive an email containing an attachment that, when opened, releases malware onto the computer. This attachment could be disguised as a document, image, or other file type commonly associated with legitimate content.
In another common method, phishing emails contain links that, when clicked, redirect users to fraudulent websites hosting malicious files or programs or designed to exploit vulnerabilities in the computer's security.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Avoid opening attachments or clicking on suspicious links in emails (e.g., in unexpected emails from unknown addresses). Only download software and files from official, reputable sources (websites and app stores). Avoid downloading cracked or pirated software, as it may contain malware. Do not trust ads and pop-ups on questionable pages.
Regularly update operating systems, software applications, and antivirus programs to patch vulnerabilities. Install and regularly update reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to detect and remove potential threats.
If you have already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.
Text presented in the "Central Loteria Nacional Europa" email letter:
Subject: SIE SIND INFORMIERT
Central Loteria Nacional Europa.
Calle De Espoz Y Mina, 28012 Madrid, Spain
TEL./FAX +34-604-347-995
Email: infomsanchez@mail.comSehr Geehrter Kunde
AbschlieЯende Mitteilung fьr die Zahlung des nicht beanspruchten Preisgeldes
Wir mцchten Sie informieren, dass das Bьro des nicht Beanspruchten Preisgeldes in Spanien,unsere Anwaltskanzlei ernannt hat, als gesetzliche Berater zu handeln, in der Verarbeitung und der Zahlung eines Preisgeldes, das auf Ihrem Namen gutgeschrieben wurde, und nun seit ьber zwei Jahren nicht beansprucht wurde.Der Gesamtbetrag der ihnen zusteht betrдgt momentan 8.740.302.10 EUROS
Das ursprьngliche Preisgeld bertug 5.816.412,00 EUROS. Diese Summe wurde fuer nun mehr als zwei Jahre, Gewinnbringend angelegt, daher die aufstockung auf die oben bennante Gesammtsumme. Entsprechend dem Bьros des nicht Beanspruchten Preisgeldes,wurde dieses Geld als nicht beanspruchten Gewinn einer Lotteriefirma bei ihnen zum verwalten niedergelegt und in ihrem namen versichert. Nach Ansicht der Lotteriefirma wurde ihnen das Geld nach einer Weihnachtsfцrderunglotterie zugesprochen. Die Kupons wurden von einer Investmentgesellschaft gekauft.Nach Ansicht der Lotteriefirma wurden sie damals Angeschrieben um Sie ьber dieses Geld zu informieren es hat sich aber leider bis zum Ablauf der gesetzten Frist keiner gemeldet um den Gewinn zu Beanspruchen. Dieses war der Grund weshalb das Geld zum verwalten niedergelegt wurde. GemдЯ des Spanischen Gesetzes muss der inhaber alle zwei Jahre ueber seinen vorhanden Gewinn informiert werden. Sollte dass Geld wieder nicht beansprucht werden,.wird der G
ewinn abermals ueber eine
Mit freundlichen GrьЯen
Loteria Naciona Estado ANMELDEFORMULAR FЬR DEN GEWINNANSPRUCH
Bitte geben Sie die folgenden Informationen, wie unten gefordert, faxen es zurьck an unsere Bьro sofort fьr uns in der Lage zu sein die Legalisierung Prozess Ihrer Personliche investiertes Preisgeld zu vervollstдndigen, und das Geld wird Ihnen von der La Caixa Int Bank ausgezahlt. Alle Prozess Ьberprьfung durch unsere Kanzlei ist fьr Sie kostenlos, weil unsere Kosten werden von der internationalen Lotto Kommission am Ende des Prozesses zu zahlen, wenn Sie Ihr Geld erhalten.Wenn Sie nicht die erforderlichen Informationen vor der Zeit gegeben hat, kцnnen ist Anwaltskanzlei nicht haftbar gemacht werden, wenn Ihr Geld reinvestiert wurde.
Ein Bestдtigungsschreiben wird Ihnen gefaxt werden sofort wenn wir komplette Ьberprьfung der Informationen die Sie uns zur Verfьgung stellen habe, Ich werde die Investmentbank unverzьglich ьber die von Ihnen angegebene Informationen zu kommen, bevor sie werden mit Ihnen Kontakt aufnehmen fьr die aus Zahlung von Ihrem Geld . Ihre Daten werden vertraulich gehalten nach der Europдischen Unionn Datenschutzrecht.
VORNAMEN:............................NAMEN:.............................................................
REFERENZ No:.. ..................SKP/60-900/23........................GEWINN-SUMME: .......................
ANSCHRIF: .....................................................
POSTLEITHZAHL: ..........ORT: ............BERUF.......................................................
TELEFON: ......................MOBILE: ....................FAX: ............................................
GEBURTSDATUM: ..................................... EMAIL:..........................................
DATUM: .............................UNTERSCHRIFT: .......................................................
.Loteria Nacional Fiscal Y Accesoria horario de consultas Lunes. – Viernes De. 09 - 16.30 Reg. 65420/ M L A &. Miembro seсor del Consejo de Constitucional de Espaсa Email infodiaz@mail.com – .Acocйate con Bank; La Caixa: Swiftcode: Caixesbbxxx.
The file attached to this email ("ABOGADOS MANUEL RICARDO SANCHEZ & CO.pdf"):
Full appearance of the "Central Loteria Nacional Europa" spam email (GIF):
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Quick menu:
- What is Central Loteria Nacional Europa phishing campaign?
- Types of malicious emails.
- How to spot a malicious email?
- What to do if you fell for an email scam?
Types of malicious emails:
Phishing Emails
Most commonly, cybercriminals use deceptive emails to trick Internet users into giving away their sensitive private information, for example, login information for various online services, email accounts, or online banking information.
Such attacks are called phishing. In a phishing attack, cybercriminals usually send an email message with some popular service logo (for example, Microsoft, DHL, Amazon, Netflix), create urgency (wrong shipping address, expired password, etc.), and place a link which they hope their potential victims will click on.
After clicking the link presented in such email message, victims are redirected to a fake website that looks identical or extremely similar to the original one. Victims are then asked to enter their password, credit card details, or some other information that gets stolen by cybercriminals.
Emails with Malicious Attachments
Another popular attack vector is email spam with malicious attachments that infect users' computers with malware. Malicious attachments usually carry trojans that are capable of stealing passwords, banking information, and other sensitive information.
In such attacks, cybercriminals' main goal is to trick their potential victims into opening an infected email attachment. To achieve this goal, email messages usually talk about recently received invoices, faxes, or voice messages.
If a potential victim falls for the lure and opens the attachment, their computers get infected, and cybercriminals can collect a lot of sensitive information.
While it's a more complicated method to steal personal information (spam filters and antivirus programs usually detect such attempts), if successful, cybercriminals can get a much wider array of data and can collect information for a long period of time.
Sextortion Emails
This is a type of phishing. In this case, users receive an email claiming that a cybercriminal could access the webcam of the potential victim and has a video recording of one's masturbation.
To get rid of the video, victims are asked to pay a ransom (usually using Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency). Nevertheless, all of these claims are false - users who receive such emails should ignore and delete them.
How to spot a malicious email?
While cyber criminals try to make their lure emails look trustworthy, here are some things that you should look for when trying to spot a phishing email:
- Check the sender's ("from") email address: Hover your mouse over the "from" address and check if it's legitimate. For example, if you received an email from Microsoft, be sure to check if the email address is @microsoft.com and not something suspicious like @m1crosoft.com, @microsfot.com, @account-security-noreply.com, etc.
- Check for generic greetings: If the greeting in the email is "Dear user", "Dear @youremail.com", "Dear valued customer", this should raise suspiciousness. Most commonly, companies call you by your name. Lack of this information could signal a phishing attempt.
- Check the links in the email: Hover your mouse over the link presented in the email, if the link that appears seems suspicious, don't click it. For example, if you received an email from Microsoft and the link in the email shows that it will go to firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0... you shouldn't trust it. It's best not to click any links in the emails but to visit the company website that sent you the email in the first place.
- Don't blindly trust email attachments: Most commonly, legitimate companies will ask you to log in to their website and to view any documents there; if you received an email with an attachment, it's a good idea to scan it with an antivirus application. Infected email attachments are a common attack vector used by cybercriminals.
To minimise the risk of opening phishing and malicious emails we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
Example of a spam email:
What to do if you fell for an email scam?
- If you clicked on a link in a phishing email and entered your password - be sure to change your password as soon as possible. Usually, cybercriminals collect stolen credentials and then sell them to other groups that use them for malicious purposes. If you change your password in a timely manner, there's a chance that criminals won't have enough time to do any damage.
- If you entered your credit card information - contact your bank as soon as possible and explain the situation. There's a good chance that you will need to cancel your compromised credit card and get a new one.
- If you see any signs of identity theft - you should immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission. This institution will collect information about your situation and create a personal recovery plan.
- If you opened a malicious attachment - your computer is probably infected, you should scan it with a reputable antivirus application. For this purpose, we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
- Help other Internet users - report phishing emails to Anti-Phishing Working Group, FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, National Fraud Information Center and U.S. Department of Justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did I receive this email?
Criminals send identical letters to thousands of people, aiming for someone to be deceived by their scam. These spam emails lack personalization and are mass-distributed in the hope of finding unsuspecting victims.
I have provided my personal information when tricked by this email, what should I do?
Stop any further communication with the sender, and do not respond to any subsequent emails or requests. Report the scam to your local authorities and relevant online fraud reporting platforms. Provide them with details of the email and the information you shared. If financial information was disclosed, contact your bank and credit card companies immediately.
I have downloaded and opened a file attached to this email, is my computer infected?
No, the file attached to this email is not malicious. However, cybercriminals can attach malicious files or include malicious links in their emails.
I have sent cryptocurrency to the address presented in such email, can I get my money back?
Unfortunately, retrieving cryptocurrency sent in response to a scam email is extremely challenging. Cryptocurrency transactions are typically irreversible, and once the funds are sent, they cannot be easily recovered.
I have read the email but did not open the attachment, is my computer infected?
No, if you have only read the email without opening the attachment, your computer is not infected.
Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections that were present in email attachment?
Combo Cleaner is designed to find and remove almost all known types of malware. It is worth noting that advanced malware often hides deeply within the system, so conducting a thorough system scan is essential for effective detection and removal.
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