'World Cup' text message scam warning for Aussies

Melbourne, June 25 (ANI): Australians have been warned of fraudsters who are trying to make money from the World Cup hype by sending text messages claiming the recipient has just won millions of dollars in a lottery.

Victorian Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson says people should not be fooled by a so-called "FIFA World Cup" text, which invites recipients to claim prizes of more than 5 million dollars by contacting an overseas email address or mobile phone number.

Robinson said if consumers respond to the text they are asked for their email address and are sent a form requesting personal financial information before they can claim their alleged winnings.

He said it was the work of con artists trying to fleece naive consumers and urged people to delete the text message right away.

"This bogus lottery is nothing more than a scam designed to get your personal and financial details, leaving you open to fraud and identity theft," the Herald Sun quoted him as warning.

"Don't be fooled - you can't win a lottery you never entered. The only people making money from these so-called lotteries are the fraudsters trying to scam you," he added. (ANI)