FIFA has been alerted to a number of companies which have been sending "phishing" style, unsolicited e-mails around the world informing people that they have been selected as prize winners in a lottery draw and have won substantial sums of money.

Some of these emails appear to be official and many of the e-mails ask recipients to provide their personal details, including bank account information, in order to claim the prize money.

FIFA is concerned because these lotteries claim to be organised on behalf of, or in association with, FIFA, the 2006 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee or the 2010 Local Organising Committee. FIFA confirms that these lotteries have no connection with or authorisation from FIFA. FIFA also believes that it is unlikely that these lottery companies have any official connection with either the Local Organising Committee for the 2006 FIFA World Cup(tm) or the 2010 FIFA World Cup(tm).

The different lotteries claim to be operated by companies based in various countries such as South Africa, Spain and the UK. FIFA has passed the information about these lotteries to the appropriate authorities in the countries concerned for urgent investigation with a view to criminal proceedings against those responsible for such fraudulent activity.

In the meantime, FIFA would strongly advise the public to treat any notifications by these companies of prize draws or cash winnings with suspicion and extreme caution. FIFA urges people not to provide any personal or financial details if requested to do so.