UK Hard Hit by Lottery Scams

A recent report from the UK reveals some astounding figures about lottery scams in Britain. The report states that one in three UK citizens was the target of lottery scammers and an incredible 140,000 people actually fall for the scams each year. It further says that lottery scams cost the public in the UK over £260 million pounds ($422,734,007 USD) each year and that the average loss per victim is £1,900.pounds. ($3,089 USD) Despite the amount of information available to the public about lottery scammers and their methods people still fall victim to lottery scammers. The number of people victimized by lottery scams has prompted the UK Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to issue new warnings about lottery scammers and their methods.

Most lottery scams are based on the old method of advance fee fraud. Most of us at one time or another has received emails stating that we have won a foreign lottery and to collect the winnings it is necessary to send an advance fee to collect the jackpot. Usually the scammers will say that the advance fees are necessary for 'taxes' or 'processing fees' of any other flimsy excuse the scammer can come up with. Many times the scammers will try to pass themselves as employees of a legitimate lottery such as Spain's El Gordo, the Canadian Lottery or almost any other foreign lottery. The report states that the popular Canadian lottery scam has bilked UK citizens out of £300,000 pounds. ($487,770 USD)

Other lottery scammers do not ask for advance fees but will ask for personal information saying this is necessary to 'confirm' the victim's identity. Once the scammers have personal information they will then engage in identity theft causing a financial nightmare for the victim. It can take years to repair the damage of identity theft. Under no circumstances should anyone ever give banking information to unknown persons or institutions. In a new variation of the old lottery scam victims may be asked to join a bogus lottery syndicate for a fee.

The elderly are often targeted by lottery scammers because of their trusting nature. Most of the elderly grew up in a kinder gentler world and are consequently more trusting making them likely victims for lottery scammers. The report lists several warning signs of lottery scams, these are;

The requirement of an advance fee to collect lottery winnings.

A request to transfer money abroad, particularly to Canada or the Netherlands.

A request to call a premium rate telephone number. These usually charge huge rates and are often a part of the lottery scam.

The caller or emailer says you have a very short time to collect the lottery jackpot.

A requirement to provide personal banking information or other personal details to confirm your identity.

The jackpot is listed in foreign currency.

The person did not purchase lottery tickets.

The fact of the matter is that no legitimate lotteries ever notify winners by email and it is impossible to win a legitimate lottery without actually purchasing a lottery ticket. Anyone who has elderly relatives or neighbors who like to play the lottery should discuss these warning signs with them. As long as there are victims there will be scammers waiting to take advantage of them. The bottom line is; if you did not purchase lottery tickets it is impossible to win any legitimate lottery.