| Sony PSP Giveaway | |||
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| Netlore Archive: Email hoax claims recipients will receive a free Sony PSP console if they forward the message to 20 other people | |||
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Email example contributed by Cindy T., 12 October 2005:
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Subject: PSP GIVEAWAY!!! Dear all Sony is giving away PSP consoles "FREE"!! Sony is trying word-of-mouth advertising to introduce its products. And the reward you receive for advertising for them is a PSP free of cost! To receive your free PSP all you need to do is send this email out to 20 people for a PSP value pack(see attached picture). Within 2 weeks you will receive a free PSP! (They contact you via your email address). **IMPORTANT You must send a copy to pspgiveaway@sonyworld.com IMPORTANT** Kind Regards,
Faheem Mohommed
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Comments: Hoax. This chain letter did not originate from the Sony Corporation, nor is it a valid promotional offer. Sony is not giving away free PSP consoles to people who forward chain letters.
A notice on the Web site of Sony South Africa (South Africa being the apparent country of origin of this hoax) states the following:
It has recently been brought to Sony South Africa's attention that a hoax e-mail is being circulated offering a free PSP. Although Sony playstation is distributed by Ster Kinekor in South Africa,Sony South Africa would like to alert all customers of this hoax.Please be aware that this is definitely a hoax e-mail and shouldn't be responded to. Sony South Africa is in the process of taking the necessary actions.
Best Regards,
Consumer Information Centre
Sony South Africa
The email address pspgiveaway@sonyworld.com yields an "unknown recipient" error. The domain name sonyworld.com is registered to David Webb/"Bestinfo" in Richardson, Texas. The Web site at that URL contains text ads for independent companies purveying Sony products. It is not owned or operated by the Sony Corporation.
Sources and further reading:
Hoax Email: PSP Giveaway
Sony South Africa news release, 12 October 2005PSP Email Hoax
Playstation News (Australia), 26 October 2005Scammers Play Games with Sony
Sydney Morning Herald, 27 October 2005
Last updated: 10/26/05
