United Nations scam alert

A concerned citizen informed the Madison County Carrier that she received a scam email from the Western Union Money Transfer Italy Pay-Out Center claiming that the United Nations has authorized them to remit a cash prize of $500,000 to her. In the email, it stated that the Western Union Daily Transfer limit is $4,400.00. It stated further in the email that she would receive a continuous amount of $5,600.00 until the full $500,000 was repaid. All they needed to start the process is her full name, phone number and address. This is a scam. The United Nations stated on their website, that it does not offer prizes, awards, funds, certificates, compensation for Internet fraud, scholarships or conduct lotteries through e-mail, mail or fax. If you have received a similar email, you may report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission using the FTC Complaint Assistant at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. If you have been a victim of the scam, call the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 973-4001.