Received a text saying I was an apple winner. Need to go to a website to claim apple product. Am thinking this is a hoax. Any thoughts?

Mikedsmith wrote:

I just got one on a email said I won $500000 a Mac Pro they wanted my name number and address to get it what should I do

Delete and do not reply! Spammers and it may seem telemarketers

maybe moving to the messaging scene trying to suck people in.

I recieved this:

Compliments of the day to you, I am very privileged to be contacting you as one of the winners of this year's annual promotion organized by APPLE™ INC. You are indeed a very lucky person.

I will guide you through every process with regards to your prize claims to ensure you receive your winnings within the shortest possible time.

I have however observed from your application form that you are not from the United Kingdom. This year's iPrize was targeted for United Kingdom only. That not withstanding you can still proceed to claims under special appeal.

This appeal is necessary because the British government only gave us permission to conduct a promotion and award prizes to ONLY residents of the United Kingdom. We are therefore prohibited from issuing prizes to external residents.

We will need to file a special appeal to the UK lottery governing council to create an exemption in your case under the hospices of fair-play and equal opportunity. Once granted your prize will be approved and we at Apple incorporation will immediately proceed to payment of your 850,000 Pounds as mandated.

To file this appeal on your behalf, you should kindly supply the following documents in reply to this email message.

1. A recent copy of your work ID card or drivers license or International Passport or any photo ID issued by the authority of your country OR

Proof of residence within your country or the EU zone.(example: electricity/water bill)

These are the legal documents needed to file an exemption appeal on your behalf. You must be a very lucky person to have won outside of the UK. This was due to a mobile/email randomization error.

Again i say congratulations as i look forward to receiving the above stated documents from you.

Regards,

Thomas Parker

iPrize5 Promo Coordinator

*********

<Edited by Host>

I just got one on a email said I won $500000 a Mac Pro they wanted my name number and address to get it what should I do

Verizon offers an identical spam reporting service, same number and everything.

Yes not nice people, thanks for the answer 🙂

I agree with steve359. However, if you happen to be an AT&T customer in the U.S., you can take one more action: forward the text to 7726 (which spells out SPAM on a phone keypad). AT&T will respond asking you to send the phone number of the spammer. Then at least they may be able to take some action.

Two other things:

1. AT&T won't charge you for these messages.

2. I've received similar spams saying I won gift cards from other vendors: Target and Best Buy come to mind.

Spam, phishing attempt to get your private information, or a useful/active e-mail for more spam, or both.

Ignore it, delete, do not reply in ANY way.

+ 1

Ignore it TOTALLY...

And Delete It....

Mikedsmith wrote:

I just got one on a email said I won $500000 a Mac Pro they wanted my name number and address to get it what should I do

What do you think you should do? Do not respond. Delete it.

These are all hoaxes. Do not respond unless you want your information sold and end up getting even more hoax emails, phone calls and other stuff. You'll be on everyone else's "sucker list."