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Canadian lottery scam
Help the Aged & the Office of Fair Trading have joined forces to warn the public about the Canadian lottery scam.
The scam involves people responding to an unsolicited mailing list or telephone call telling them they are being entered into a prize draw. Their names are then added to a targets list which is made available to numerous direct marketing and telemarketing firms.
Victims then receive an unsolicited call from Canada congratulating them on winning the big prize in a national lottery such as Canada, Australian or Spanish.
The victim is told that before they can claim their prize they must send money for processing and tax fees. There has been a case where someone has lost £67,000. The prize does not exist and they do not receive any winnings.
Tips for dealing with lottery scammers
What to do if you receive a phone call?
* Be cautious, if you have any doubts about a caller – hang-up
* Never send any money in order to receive a prize
* Don't give out private financial information or any other personal information
* Canada doesn't have a national lottery like the UK
How to spot a scam
* If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
* You are often asked for money up front to release your ‘win'
* You are asked for your bank account, credit card details or other confidential information
* The caller is more excited than you
* The stranger who calls wants to be your best friend
* You must reply straight away or the money will be given to someone else
Contact information
Rachel Hines, Community Safety Officer, Preston Police
Telephone: 01772 209112
Preston Police
Telephone: 01772 203203
Crimestoppers
Telephone: 0800 555 111