How the scam works:
One of these days you might receive an e-mail one claiming to be from the Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Germany. The letter is signed by Dieter Zetsche, who is the real CEO of the auto company, however in this case scammers just impersonate him.
The subject of the e-mail could be anything along these lines: "Answer and Win a Mercedes-Benz Car". Once you open the message, here is what you'll see:
"You are selected to a Loyalty Reward from Mercedes-Benz. Answer the below questions correctly and stand a chance of winning our Promotional Award Grand prize, $500,000 USD and a Brand New 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic SUV Car. If you have never had a Mercedes-Benz, this is your chance to benefit from our Company, If you have had any of our products this is your opportunity of enjoying some of our benefits apart from the comfort ability and efficiency of our products.
Questions:
1. What year was Mercedes-Benz founded?
a. 1886; b. 1926; c. 1936
2. Who was the founder of Mercedes Benz?
a.Terry Benz; b.Tom Benz; c.Karl Benz 3.
In which country is the Benz Headquarters Located?
a. Germany; b. United Kingdom; c. United State of America.
Send your answers along with your Name, Sex, Phone Number, Alternate Email, Country and Occupation via this email address.
EMAIL: info.clarkdawson@yahoo.co.fr
NAME: Mr CLARK DAWSON PHONE: +1 303 578 3190
Regards, Dieter Zetsche Mercedes-Benz, CEO
How to avoid the Mercedes-Benz Award scam:
Just delete the email with no regrets. The random e-mails with awards are making a huge comeback this year and there are tens of thousands of people who fall victim for it. Cyber crooks couldalso replace the Mercedes-Benz brand and CEO's name with other famous brands: BMW, Toyota, Chrysler, Lexus, etc – so beware! Mercedes-Benz or any other major brand never send messages like this, let alone full of grammar mistakes such as the one above (did you spot random capital letters and "United State of America"?). They have huge marketing teams that organize contests and awards in more sofisticated ways. Last but not least, look for the domain name in the sender's email address. For example, the e-mail above from "Clark Dawson" came from admin@novotelnadi.com.fj, which is registered in Fiji!
Report a scammer name below, in the Comments section.
How to report the Mercedes-Benz Award scam:
Make your family and friends aware of this scam by sharing it on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:
How to protect yourself more:
If you want to be the first to find out the most notorious scams every week, feel free to subscribe to the Scam Detector newsletter here. You'll receive periodical emails and we promise not to spam. Last but not least, use the Comments section below to expose other scammers.
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I got one here, beware!!
CONGRATULATION! CONGRATULATION!! CONGRATULATION!!! We happily announced that your E-mail Address has been selected among the winners of the Mercedes Benz International Online Lottery Draw 2020 . You are now a winner of a brand new "Mercedes Benz c300 4matic 2020" and the grand prize of $4,500,000.00 USD. For easy claim of your winnings, you are simply advice to contact our Claim Agent Mr.Manuel Vieira Rocha(manuelvieirarocha935@gmail.com)You can text him on this number (216-923-5229)USA with the below details as stated. NAME: CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS: OFFICE ADDRESS: PHONE NUMBER: OCCUPATIONS: SEX: STATUS: All necessary information on what to do in receiving your winnings will be treated by our claim agent once contacted by you. NB: Delivery cost is mandatory in claiming your winning. Your Mercedes Benz Online Lottery Draw Reference Claim Code: (556682).
I wish it were true though, I could’ve gotten some amazing brownie points with the Mrs for this one😝
Online Lottery Draw Reference Claim
Code: (W70902039)
CONGRATULATION!
Dear Email Owner.
We happily announced that your E-mail Address has been selected among the winners of the Mercedes Benz International Online Lottery Draw 2022/2023 Xmas promo. You are now a winner of a brand new “Mercedes Benz c300 matic 2023 and the grand prize of $1,500,000.00 USD For easy claim of your winnings prize, you are simply advice to contact our Fiduciary Claim Agent Mrs. Annita Joseph (annitajjoseph@gmail.com) with the below details as stated.
NAME:
CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS.
HOME ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER OCCUPATIONS.
OFFICE ADDRESS
All necessary information on what to do in receiving your winnings will be treated by our claim agent once contacted by you and contact him by providing him with your Mercedes Benz Online Lottery Draw Reference Claim Code: (W70902039) As the subject of your email for swift response.
NB: If you received this message in your SPAM/BULK folder, that is because of the restrictions implemented by your internet Service Provider, we (MERCEDES GROUP urge you to treat it genuinely, Delivery fee is mandatory and at your cost in claiming your win.
Signed
Mercedes-Benz USA LLC C2023