Residents in Badenoch and Strathspey warned about Postcode Lottery scam
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Residents in the strath are being warned that letters claiming they have won a share of £425,000 in a ‘postcode lottery’ is a scam.
The letters appear to be targetting the Skye area but are likely to be sent to various addresses across the Highlands.
The correspondence heading has a head office address in London and recipients are told that a processing fee is required to release the winnings – something which legitimate lotteries would never do.
The letters are signed by someone called ‘Susan Blair’ who is listed as the lottery’s president.
Players of the real People’s Postcode Lottery are being urged to check any mailings they receive carefully.
Highland Council Trading Standards Manager David MacKenzie said: “Scam mail can take the form of fake lotteries or imitate genuine lotteries. Scam mail is sent with the sole intention of obtaining money through deception or fraud.
"It is a common theme among lottery scams to ask for an upfront fee to release winnings.
"We want to know about potentially fraudulent mail so that we can investigate illegal business activity and support those affected, particularly the more vulnerable members in our community.”
Mr MacKenzie added: “This matter has come to our attention through our adult support and protection network where we proactively engage with those directly involved in adult care.”
The real People’s Postcode Lottery has reiterated that it would never ask winners to pay anything to receive their windfall.
Highland Council Trading Standards work in partnership with Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) to provide advice on scams. Freephone 0808 164 6000 or email through their website address at www.consumeradvice.scot for more advice.
