It's based on a "skill test" to win a prize, rather than be seen as a gamble.

You must answer a simple question e.g. 12 x 10 - 15 = … or "During which war did Winston Churchill become prime Minister? Tick World War I or World War II" to enter the contest.

The scam letter states "Your name has been identified and absolutely confirmed as recipient of the $15,000 Fortune and Fame Contest entry documentation".

This means that you have not actually won the money, but that you have been invited to enter the contest at a cost of $12.00 processing fee. You can take up optional offers to enter at an additional cost of up to $225.00.

The fine print also has a closing date for the draw, which can be up to three years in advance.

Mega Money uses different graphic presentations in letters to consumers, but the content is almost identical.

MegaMoney is based in Canada. Some notifications require you to respond to an address in the USA.