Scammers Luring Internet Users With BMW X6

A sudden rush of emails claiming that the recipient has won 750,000 sterling pounds as well as a BMW X6 35iM from the ‘BMW Lottery Department UK’ has been circulating across South East Asia. Apparently, the aforementioned organization along with the 'BMW International Awareness Promotions' has no relationship whatsoever with the BMW Group nor with BMW Group Malaysia.

It looks like Internet scammers have found a new object of interest to lure hard-working honest people away from their money (which is what pedestrians could say about the automotive industry, but we refuse to pay attention to that now). You'd think that if a luxury car manufacturer started a promotion, we'd hear of it? After all, isn't that the point of a promotion, publicity?

Versions of the email have been circulating about for years now, with rather extravagant models designations such as the 550i M, X6 35i Sport Saloon and X6 Concept being given away. Yeah, right, like someone would hand out free concept cars just like that...

BMW Group Malaysia has released a statement saying that BMW does not offer cash prizes or BMW nor MINI cars as part of free prize draws.

“We are aware that there are and have been a number of similar emails in circulation and we are currently investigating how to prevent those responsible from using BMW’s name in such a way. We advise anyone who receives the email to not enter into correspondence with the sender,” said BMW Group Malaysia’s corporate communications manager Sashi Ambi.