The latest scam

QI keep hearing about lottery scams. What are they and how can I keep away from them?

JAMES SAYS

ACriminals still use old-school letters to entice people into sending money for fictitious prize draws or lotteries. Often operating as organised crime groups, they take great care in making sure their mailings look genuine, even including personalisation. They try to look like legitimate organisations and often use words like ‘guaranteed’ or ‘100% genuine’. Victims may then be asked to pay a ‘small fee’ for administration purposes before they can claim their prize. Be extra vigilant. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. My advice is to…

STOP. As always, ‘take five’ before you respond. Criminals will often try to rush or panic you.

CHALLENGE. Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests.

PROTECT. If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, contact your bank immediately and report the scam to Action Fraud, or if in Scotland, to Police Scotland.