Beware of Postcode Lottery scam
A letter sent to residents across the Highlands claiming they have won a “postcode lottery” is a scam.
Several people have reported the scam to Highland Council Trading Standards. Many others will have realised it's a hoax and thrown the letter away but some may be more vulnerable and find themselves being tricked.
The letter heading is shown above. The content of the letter states the winning ticket was drawn as part of its international programme held in Madrid, Spain. Written in poor English, it was signed by someone called 'Baron Wheels' who is listed as the President of the company.
It goes on to ask the recipient to phone a number where they will have to pay a processing fee.
The real People's Postcode Lottery says it will not under any circumstances request a payment to receive any prize.
Unfortunately, some people may have fallen victim.
As part of Scam Awareness Month, The Highland Council Trading Standards would like to remind recipients of this scam to never to give out your personal information, especially account details, PIN numbers and signatures to strangers. After all, if you haven’t entered, how can you win? Something that seems too good to be true usually is.
Further information on scam prevention can be found at:
http://www.cas.org.uk/stopscams or through a smart phone at: #ScamAware
If consumers and or businesses want to report a scam or receive further advice they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on telephone number 03454 04 05 06, or visit their local CAB. Highland consumers can also contact the Council’s Trading Standards directly either in person or in writing at: The Highland Council Trading Standards, 38 Harbour Road, Inverness IV1 1UF.
For further Highland Trading Standards news please go to www.highland.gov.uk/tradingstandardsnews
