What is the Lotto Prize / Advance Fee scam that I've been made aware of?
Within both scams, the victim is asked for a payment up front in return for receiving a substantial amount of money.
The fraudster will advise that the money is available but that an initial payment is required to cover transfer or administration costs.
Lotto Prize scams:
The initial payment requested tend to be low to start with to capture the victims interest. These increase dramatically as the victim becomes more engaged with the Lotto fraud scam and idea that they have won a large sum of money.
Advance Fee scams:
Unlike the 'Lotto prize' the initial payment requested is quite often extremely high, often £15,000 or more.
To protect yourself:
- Treat any such requests for money with suspicion
- Be aware that these requests can be made not only by phone, but by email, letter, or even in person, and can look and sound genuine
- Don’t respond to any unsolicited communications promising prize money in return for payment
- Report any possible Lotto Prize and Advance Fee frauds to the Office of Fair Trading on +44 (0) 8457 224 499.
For more information, please visit the Metropolitan Police website.
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