Police issue warning over lottery scam
POLICE have warned members of the public to be vigilant after several residents reported falling victim to a bogus lottery scam.In all of these incidents, they have received a letter claiming they have won a jackpot prize of �750,000.
POLICE have warned members of the public to be vigilant after several residents reported falling victim to a bogus lottery scam.
In all of these incidents, they have received a letter claiming they have won a jackpot prize of �750,000.
However in order to claim their winnings, the recipient is asked to send a cheque for a certain amount of money, ranging from between �25,000 to �30,000 and then send that amount in advance in order to 'free-up' their particular funds.
Some people have believed the letter to be authentic and sent off money to the organisers, believing they have won. In fact, this has been an elaborate scam and they have lost large sums of money.
Police spokesman Jon Dack said: "Our advice to members of the public is if something appears to be too good to be true, then it usually is, especially when in most cases the recipients have not even entered a competition or lottery.
“This type of scam can lead to people losing large amounts of money with very little chance of getting it back. Members of the public receiving this type of letter should not be tempted to send off money and should pass on the letter to Trading Standards or police in order that this can be investigated.
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“Unfortunately those behind this particular scam have a sophisticated network in place and it can be very difficult to trace and recoup the money lost and in most cases the money is never recovered."
Contact Norfolk police on 0845 456 4567 or Trading Standards which will offer further information and advice.
