Daily Record – INTERNET fraudsters are posing as Britain’s biggest EuroMillions winners in a bid to steal money from unsuspecting web users.
Targets have been sent emails falsely claiming to be from £161m ($182,297,080.68) winner Colin Weir informing them they have been chosen to receive a £500,000 ($566,140.00) “donation” from the charity he set up with wife Chris.
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But in order to qualify for the bogus windfall recipients are asked to supply bank details which will then be used to plunder their accounts.
A spokeswoman for the Weir’s said the couple’s charity is actually called the Weir Charitable Trust.
She said: “Neither the Weir Charitable Trust nor Chris and Colin Weir will ever email unsolicited offers of money to anyone, in any currency.
“If you are approached by someone claiming to be them, or their representative, and asking you to provide personal or financial details, it is a scam.
“Do not respond.”
The email claims to be from Colin, 67, and has the subject “charity”.
It reads: “We wish to inform you that you have been selected to receive a donation of £500,000 ($566,140.00) from the Chris and Colin Charity Scheme.
“We are happily giving out millions to selected people worldwide. However, you are required to acknowledge this mail to further procedures.”
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Recipients are then requested to supply private information, including names, addresses and contact numbers.
It’s the third time the couple have had their identities stolen, and then used in online con.
Independent computer security analyst Graham Cluley warned the scam can have devastating consequences for those who fall for it.
He said: “While 99 per cent of us would see it and instantly bin it, there are a proportion of vulnerable people who are at risk who may be new to computers and email.
“That’s who these fraudsters prey upon in the hope of making a quick buck.
“Sharing any private data like those requested in the Weir’s case is then used for identity theft which can then lead to the hacking of your other private accounts and credit cards being taken out in your name.
“I’ve seen scams lead to people losing their homes, so my advice is simple – don’t respond.”
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Police Scotland warned computer users to be vigilant.
A force spokeswoman said: “We would advise members of the public to never give out any personal information, particularly bank details, following this type of correspondence.
“If you have any concerns please report the matter to police.”
The Weirs, of Largs, Ayrshire, scooped their massive jackpot in July 2011.
Former STV cameraman Colin and Chris, 58, who was an NHS nursing manager, forked out millions to pay-off mortgages for family and friends.
They have also donated large sums to charities and the SNP.
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