Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., has issued a warning to its customers and to other motorists that unscrupulous individuals are perpetrating an e-mail scam hiding behind the brand.
E-mail recipients are being advised that they have won a major prize in an e-mail lottery and are invited to provide various personal details including bank details so that prize money of up to Ł750,000 and a free car can be awarded to them. The contact details include the name The Kia Company and e-mail and telephone numbers in the UK.
Stephen Kitson, Communications Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said: “We have never run and e-mail lottery, we are not running an e-mail lottery and we are unlikely ever to run an e-mail lottery. This is a despicable scam being carried out on unwitting members of the public by thieves, pure and simple.
“It is clear from the language used in the e-mails that although the contact details suggest they are based in the UK that may not be the case. We are currently working with various authorities to try and trace these people and to stop this scam, but members of the public receiving these e-mails should be aware of this practice and should not provide any personal details under any circumstances,” he added.
Kitson added that the company had been the subject of previous scams with e-mails originating in various countries overseas and offering huge prizes – those e-mail scams had been investigated and closed down with the help of Kia operations in those countries.
He added: “It is clear that as the Kia name is becoming better known around the world conmen and criminals are trying to jump on the bandwagon for unlawful purposes. We urge anyone receiving one of these e-mails to pass it to their local police.” [Source: Kia UK]
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I think I’ve received one of these posing as from Kia. I get one from about every major corporation in existence, as well as government issue, deposed Kings, the phishing type (fake website designed to steal your bank info), etc. It’s unfortunate that some people are fooled by these scams. Thumbs down to scammers and spammers!
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
thats really bad. another problem for big, emerging brands that are gaining popularity. I get very irratated myself with spam e-mails in my e-mail account. irritation must be a really big thing for Kia UK in this case.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Hi Boris,
irritating for us yes! But puzzling for Kia distributors around the world when their customers get on and ask if it is a real competition – of course they don’t know. they have tried before and we closed them down but it seems as more and more people wake up to Kia they are back and of course people think we might be trying to grow the brand by running a competition. When you see the e-mails if you think about it you shouldn’t be fooled – but sadly some people just can’t resist the idea of getting something for nothing – even if they haven’t entered a competition! So do pass it on…
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:07 pm
you’re right; I should spread it around, not to get fooled.