A friend received a message with the Skype name but no tiny tm indicating trademark. The message read (copy):
[b][9/29/2009 7:17:39 PM] Skype: SKYPE AWARD 2009
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Dear Skype Customer,
Congratulations to you as we bring to your notice the result of SKYPE 2009 promotions. Your Skype name Attached to Ticket number 227522465896-6453 with serial number 3772-554 Drew Lucky numbers 7-14 -18 -31-45 which consequently won in the 1ST category, You have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of 2,500,000 EUROS (Two Million Five Hundred Thousand EUROS).
This lottery was organized to recognize and support our over whelming Customers of the Years, for using skype. Due to mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep your winning information confidential until your claims have Been Fully Processed and your money Remitted to you. This is Part of Our security Protocol to avoid you from lossing Claim's.
NOTE: This lottery was promoted and sponsored by Skype conglomerate in Europe as Part Of their social responsibility to there Citizens that use skype where they Have Operational base. We hope with part of your winnings you will take part in our next year Ten Million EUROS Skype international lottery. To file for your claim, please contact Our fiducial agent London-United Kingdom.
MR. ROBERT MILLER,
ROBERT MILLER: OFFICE E-MAIL: robert.miller@winning.com
ROBERT MILLER: PRIVATE E-MAIL: robert.miller@inbox.com
Note: You are hereby advised to contact Mr Robert Miller in the 2 Email addresses that was Provided to you, Office E-mail and Private E-mail. ( You have now till the 5th of october 2009 to claim your Payment or else it will be recalled back and regarded has unclaimed. Your Reference Numbers Ticker Numbers, Serial numbers Drew Numbers. Remember to quote these numbers in your correspondence with your claims agent.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Linda Tran sofa
Skype International Lottery program (co-coordinator)
[9/29/2009 7:33:36 PM] *** Missed call from Skype. ***
[9/29/2009 7:34:02 PM] *** Call ended ***
The grammar and the call for secrecy makes me think that this is a scam. She has her security set not to allow calls in that are not in her contact list??? Also, she is worried that there may be a worm attached.
Has anyone else received this email?
I don't know how to alert Skype to this letter and certainly don't think calling the number listed would be wise (heard of scam whereby if you call a number the phone company because it orginates from other countries with little written law on scamming; must charge the fees demanded. The person who calls gets phenomenal charges....heard it could be as much as $250 per minute).
Hope this message gets through before anyone gets bilked.