Public warned about Canadian lottery scam

The Office Fair Trading (OFT) has issued a warning to consumers today about the dangers of the 'Canadian lottery' scam – a con trick that has so far relieved the British public of around £3 million in the first six months of this year.

The OFT has seen a "large increase" in the number of complaints it receives about callers claiming to be associated with a Canadian national lottery – with more than 300 complaints since August. There are at least 15 call centres in Canada solely targeting the UK. One centre is already known to have defrauded UK consumers of around £450,000.

The Canadian authorities have already arrested over 50 people, and closed down call centres and intercepted some maildrops.

The scam starts when people respond to mailings or telephone calls telling them they are being entered in a national lottery or some other prize draw, often from Canada, Australia or Spain. They then receive a phone call congratulating them on winning the 'big prize'.

However, before they can claim the prize, victims are told they must send money to pay for "taxes and processing fees". Often these calls are repeated and further sums are sent. Some consumers have lost thousands of pounds through such schemes. The prize doesn't exist, and they never receive any winnings in return for their cash.

Anybody can receive an unsolicited call but the elderly are particularly at risk, with over 80% of those affected aged more than 65 years. In many cases the caller tries to befriend the victim showing an interest in their family and friends; they may also pose as a government official, customs officer or lawyer. Evidence has shown that most victims do not report the crime through embarrassment or fear that they may lose control of their finances because of their age.

Penny Boys, OFT Executive Director, said: "This is a professionally organised operation and the people involved are very persuasive. Our campaign aims to alert consumers to the need for caution when responding to unsolicited mailings and phone calls."

The OFT has set-up a telephone hotline to collect evidence which the Canadian authorities can use to prosecute the fraudsters. Anybody who has received a phone call and/or sent money to people claiming to be associated with the Canadian national lottery can call the hotline to give their evidence and help put a stop to the scam. The number is 020 7211 8111.

(gmcg)