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23/11/2006
Charity Commission warns of lottery scam
The Charity Commission is warning the public about a new email scam, which uses the names of two well-known charities.
The scam tells recipients that they have won half a million pounds and requests personal details in order for the 'prize' to be awarded.
Callers are then asked for a sizeable amount of cash up front before the 'prize' can be processed.
The email claims to be run in conjunction with the British Red Cross and Action Against Hunger UK - neither of whom are associated with the email.
David Locke, Head of Charity Services at the Charity Commission, said: "We're warning people not to be fooled into thinking that this is a legitimate lottery because of its supposed association with the two charities named in the email - neither charity has anything to do with this scam. Any genuine correspondence from a charity will include a registered charity number and contact details, which can be checked on our website. These sorts of scams are rare, but don't become a victim of those who prey on society's trust in charity."
The Charity Commission's register of charities can be checked at www.charitycommission.gov.uk
(KMcA/EF)
The scam tells recipients that they have won half a million pounds and requests personal details in order for the 'prize' to be awarded.
Callers are then asked for a sizeable amount of cash up front before the 'prize' can be processed.
The email claims to be run in conjunction with the British Red Cross and Action Against Hunger UK - neither of whom are associated with the email.
David Locke, Head of Charity Services at the Charity Commission, said: "We're warning people not to be fooled into thinking that this is a legitimate lottery because of its supposed association with the two charities named in the email - neither charity has anything to do with this scam. Any genuine correspondence from a charity will include a registered charity number and contact details, which can be checked on our website. These sorts of scams are rare, but don't become a victim of those who prey on society's trust in charity."
The Charity Commission's register of charities can be checked at www.charitycommission.gov.uk
(KMcA/EF)
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