Lottery con aims to steal from bank accounts

Aug 28 2008 by George Topp, Lanark & Carluke

CONSUMERS in Clydesdale are being warned about a new phone and mail scam which aims to plunder bank accounts.

Trading standards officers have received two complaints in the past week from residents in the Lanark and Carluke area.

One consumer from Lanark claims to have received a telephone call from Kingston, Jamaica, saying that she had won a lottery prize draw.

The caller requested £550 to be paid via Western Union Bank and has repeatedly called her home demanding the money be sent.

Another consumer from Carluke contacted Trading Standards after she received a letter from a Spanish Company in Madrid.

The letter informed her that she had won the lottery and asked for her bank details and next of kin.

Peter Sherry, trading standards manager at South Lanarkshire Council, explained that the scammers were trying new – and unique – ways of getting access to other people’s money and personal details.

He added: “We cannot stress strongly enough how important it is never to respond to unsolicited letters or telephone calls like these.

“Consumers should never feel forced into giving out personal details or parting with cash in response to these.

“We understand that this type of correspondence can be upsetting for consumers and would urge anyone who receives telephone calls, letters or e-mails of a suspicious nature to contact their local consumer and trading standards office and the local police,” he added.

Anyone concerned about hoax telephone calls, e-mails or letters should contact their local consumer and trading standards office on 01698 476222/3 or log on to website www.identity-theft.org.uk.