Police alert after £9k lottery scam
POLICE are urging residents to be vigilant after an 81-yearold from Macclesfield lost over £9,000 in a International Postcode Lottery scam.
This follows an elderly couple from Northwich losing a large quantity of money to the same scam in March.
The poorly worded scam letter reads: “We are delighted to inform you of
the International Postcode Lottery Program held on 10/05/2019.
“Due to a mix up of names and numbers the results we released on 17/05/2019. Your name attached to a ticket number: 038/76 with serial number: 084 drew lucky numbers: 13-21 -27-36 -38-45 with bonus ball 4 which consequently won in the 4th category, you have therefore been approved the winner for a lump sum pay out of Nine Hundred Thousand Pounds (£900,000.00) congratulations!
“Note: This is a tax-free draw and all participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from over 390,000,000, individuals worldwide.
“The program was designed and promoted by European lottery, Loteria El Gordo and Commonwealth Bank of Australia to promote the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Qatar and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games to be Hosted by Japan.
“This has been the biggest ever played in the world which aimed at changing the lives of millions of people.
“Please to help us proceed with your claims, this information must be kept away from the public to avoid unwarranted abuse of the program or fraudulent acts from criminal minds and unauthorized person(s).
“Finally, all winnings must be claimed not later than 30/08/19. After this date, the entire Fund will be returned to the INT’L BOARD Of INTERNAL REVENUE as unclaimed.
“Furthermore, should there be any change of your personal details or address, do inform your claims agent as soon as possible.”
Police have issued advice including do not give personal details to anyone, destroy old receipts and that banks do not ask for confirmation of details via email.
Anyone who believes that they have been a victim of a scam should get in touch with Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or ring Cheshire Constabulary on 101.