E-mailed Amway appeal is a scam
E-mailed messages asking recipients to contribute to a group calling itself the “Amway Children Charity Foundation” are bogus, according to Michigan-based Quixtar, Amway’s parent company.
The e-mail informs the recipient that he or she has been chosen to get a grant to help set up a children’s center to help poor kids in the area. A nomination code number might be provided, and banking information is requested. If the recipient reponsds, they are asked to send an indemnity bond of varying amounts. The e-mails might be signed by “Dr. Kevin Brown” or someone else claiming to be a grant-processing officer.
The fraud is known as an advance fee scam, which occurs when the victim pays money in advance to someone, expecting to receive something of greater value.
The scam has been circulated by e-mail in Europe, North America, Australia and Asia. Recipients are advised to not respond or reply in any way. Amway is investigating its origin and has notified authorities. Those with information or questions about this scam are asked to contact Amway through its Corporate Communications Department at (616) 787-7565.