Amway Corporation says it has discovered an Internet charity scam that has been circulated by email in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.

Amway is currently investigating the origin of the scam and authorities have been notified about the "Amway Children Charity Foundation". Meanwhile, recipients are warned not to answer any emails that bear these types of markings.

The goal of the scam is to trick people into sending money to the fraudulent charity. The bogus group sends an email informing the recipient that he/she has been selected as a recipient of a grant to help establish a children's help center to assist poor children in the area. A nomination code number may be given, and banking information is requested. If the recipient responds, an indemnity bond of several hundred euros is demanded. The emails may be signed from "Dr. Kevin Brown" or someone else claiming to be a grant processing officer.

Fraudulent activities involving payment or release of personal financial information can be committed electronically from a remote location, including overseas. Committing these activities in cyberspace allows scam artists to act quickly and cover their tracks before the victim becomes aware of the theft.