POSTCODE LOTTERY PLAYERS are being warned to beware yet another scam being used that dupe victims into revealing their bank details in the belief their postcode is a winner.
The People’s Postcode Lottery has been steadily increasing throughout Scotland on the back of an aggressive advertising campaign – but that has also made it a target for scammers.
Like many before it the scam is operated using both mail and telephone methods, with reports emerging of pensioners receiving letters congratulating the victim on their win – and providing a telephone number to ring.
However, victims who ring the number are asked to confirm their details – including the bank account they wish their ‘winnings’ to be paid into.
The lottery operates by giving out cash prizes to entrants who have registered and paid in advance, if their postcode is drawn then every entrant in that postcode receives a share of the winnings. The London-based People’s Postcode Lottery said that they are aware of the scam and it is currently under investigation by police.
Rachel Ruxton, head of communications for the Postcode Lottery, commented: “We are aware that sometimes illegitimate organisations will attempt to use our lottery’s brand to gain access to information supplied by unsuspecting members of the public.
“We take such matters very seriously – if you receive one of these letters, phone calls, SMS messages or Emails we strongly advise to treat these communications as scams and they should be ignored.
“Legitimate lotteries such as the People’s Postcode Lottery will not request a payment in order to receive your winnings.”
Anyone who encounters this or any other scam is advised to report it to the UK’s National Fraud centre, Action Fraud. The Action Fraud website also provides up to date information on the scams being used in the UK.