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| Residents
warned against lottery scam |
| Last
Updated:
Tuesday, 12 October, 2004 14:13
BST |
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| •New
Forest Community Safety Partnership . |
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New
Forest Community Safety Partnership is urging elderly residents
to be on
their guard against a bogus lottery scam.
Some Hampshire residents have already fallen victim to the Canadian lottery
scheme which promises a cash prize in return for administration and
processing fees.
Victims are contacted by phone and unsolicited mail, and
never receive any winnings in return for money they send.
Millions of pounds are being lost by people across to country to this scam.
New Forest Community Safety Partnership has joined forces with the Office of
Fair Trading and Help the Aged to warn residents.
Over 80 per cent of
victims are over 65 years old.
Help the Aged has offered the following advice to help people spot a scam:
• Victims are often asked for money up front in order to release their
prize
• Victims are asked for private and confidential information
such as bank account and credit card details
• Callers claim money will be sent to someone else unless payment for
a processing fee is made straight away
• Confidence tricksters sound very pleasant but only to gain your
trust
Cllr Goff Beck, portfolio holder for crime and disorder, said: "People
should be suspicious of any phone calls or unsolicited mail which promises
cash prizes in return for up front fees.
"These scams are too good to be true and we are urging anyone who is
contacted to ignore them.
"It is vital we tackle the problem through continued cooperation and it
remains a top priority for all involved in crime enforcement."
Anyone who has been a victim of this crime or is worried if an elderly
relative has been targeted can contact
Help the Aged by calling 01255
473 999 or email
seniorsafety@helptheaged.org.uk
Victims can also contact the Office of Fair Trading on 020 7211 8111 if they
wish to give evidence and help put a stop to the scam. |
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