GETTING a text message telling you you've won $2 million in the Lotto sounds like a dream come true – but it could be something far more sinister.
Coffs residents have recently reported receiving random text messages telling them they have been successful in the 'ongoing free Lotto 2010' but it's nothing more than a scam.
The message reads: "Congrats your mobile no has won $2,000,000.00USD in the ongoing free Lotto 2010 contact for claims email your name and mobile number to smspromo@freelotto10.mobi."
The Department of Fair Trading has warned anyone receiving the message to delete it and not to reply to any request for personal information.
"Mobile phone scams can be difficult to recognise," a spokesperson for the Department of Fair Trading said.
"Consumers may receive a 'missed call' from an unknown number or a text message to enter a competition or download 'free' or cheap ring tones that will end up being a subscription or a premium rate service. The best thing to do is to ignore and delete them.
"Consumers should always do their homework and make sure they know who they are dealing with before agreeing to anything."
If a person believes they have been scammed and the scam originates from NSW, or they know the name of the business or trader and they are located in NSW, they can report the scam to NSW Fair Trading.
If the scam originates from outside NSW or overseas, they can report it via SCAMwatch. SCAMwatch is a website run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and provides information about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.
