Frauds and Scams

Lottery Scams

As the popularity of lotteries has increased in recent years, so too has the number of lottery-based scams. A well-known example is the ‘Canadian lottery scam’.

This involves people (based in Canadian call centres) telephoning potential victims and advising them that they have won money on the lottery but before they can claim the prize, they must send money to cover processing fees. More than 80% of victims are aged over 65 and many are told not to use credit cards as these ‘can be traced’ and prizes would be liable to local taxes.

It is not unusual for victims to be targeted more than once as ’sucker lists’ are commonly shared amongst fraudster groups.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Do not respond to such a call with anything other than a request for more information and never pay fees in advance.

© Crown Copyright. URN 05/623; 01/05