New Fraud Circulating: Oprah Winfrey Millionaire Contest

The IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) is circulating an Intelligence Note about a new fraud scheme.

The short version is that predators are targeting people who are willing to give away their information for a chance to get on the Oprah show in April, and become a millionaire.

Full text is copied below... if you've received one of these emails you're encouraged to go file a complaint so these people can be tracked down and brought to justice, at www.ic3.gov.

"The IC3 has been alerted to the circulation of a fraudulent e-mail, purportedly from the "The Oprah Winfrey Show", notifying recipients of their nomination for the "Oprah Millionaire Contest Show." To participate, recipients are requested to mail their contact information such as full name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Verified contestants are then required to purchase airfare and a ticket to attend "The Oprah Winfrey Show," as well as complete a forthcoming contest form containing personal questions. The contestants are then promised a seat for "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in April and asked to provide their responses to the personal questions for a chance to win a million dollars.

Consumers always need to be alert to unsolicited e-mails. Do not open unsolicited e-mails or click on any embedded links, as they may contain viruses or malware. Providing your personally identifiable information will compromise your identity!"