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Please help my neighbour is in trouble

Firstly we live in Scotland

I have just found out my next door neighbour has got tangled up in sending money overseas in a vain attempt to receive "Lottery winnings"

She was corresponding and sending money to at least 12 different people Some of the letters were quite dark promising bad luck, curses ect if she did not send more cash.

I have gone to the police but they have said there is little they can do and that she may well be on some kind of 'mugs' list

She has lost all of her savings @£65,000 and is in @ £55,000 of debt. This includes bank loans and credit cards

Without going into the morality of the banks ect lending her such amounts she has 3 loans and 6 cards

As she is on a low income she will qualify for going bankrupt via the LILA route in Scotland

She does not own any property so all of the debt is unsecured.

The poor woman was on the verge of suicide until I found out I am now trying to help her.

Does anyone know if there will be consequences (apart from the BR) due to her niavaty?(sp?)

Can she go to jail? Which is her worst fear

Can we do the LILA forms on our own or is it best to seek professional help?
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Comments

  • sizzler
    sizzler Posts: 5,094 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Hi there and welcome.

    I am glad you are there to support them.

    i am not very good at LILA system and hopefully somebody will be a long to help you.

    Jail is an absolute last resort and unless you have commtited very serious money fraud you never go to jail in BR.

    sizzler:)
  • Doucam
    Doucam Posts: 1,130 Forumite
    Your poor neighbour :(

    I get these emails all the time and just block the addresses and delete them, but I can understand why people get sucked in, when they use words like you are my friend, you can help me, and so on :(

    I really don't know what to suggest other than to get her to go to the CAB?

    I am trying to remember but I think there was something on Watchdog once about these things, might be worth searching the web to see if anything comes up?
  • No fraud but undoubtly when she took out some of loans ect There was never a hope she could pay it back unless she received her "winnings"

    McT
  • IF
    IF Posts: 34,349 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Hello I'm so sorry about your friend can only echo what sizzler has said.
    But I would contact one of the following on monday for advice.
    They are impartial and don't charge.


    Consumer Credit Counselling Service (Scotland) - Website: CCCS Telephone: 0800 138 3328
    National Debtline (Scotland) - Website: National Debtline Telephone: 0808 808 4000
    Citizens Advice Bureau - Website: Citizens Advice or visit your local CAB centre (find nearest)

    Also click on here and scroll down for Scotland

    http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1056083

    Hope this helps
    If...x
    "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride"
  • Doucam wrote: »
    Your poor neighbour :(

    I get these emails all the time and just block the addresses and delete them, but I can understand why people get sucked in, when they use words like you are my friend, you can help me, and so on :(

    I really don't know what to suggest other than to get her to go to the CAB?

    I am trying to remember but I think there was something on Watchdog once about these things, might be worth searching the web to see if anything comes up?


    Yes its awful I am sure she was days away from disaster

    Do you know what this kind of scam is called?
  • confused76
    confused76 Posts: 12,680 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    i'm glad your neighbour has your help....

    sorry i don't know the Scottish system, but i would advise getting some advice before applying for LILA

    good luck
  • Doucam
    Doucam Posts: 1,130 Forumite
    edited 28 March 2010 pm31 7:13PM
    It's phishing, I have sent you a pm with a link to what looks to be a helpful site.

    No I haven't, seems I can't, this is the site I found:

    http://www.millersmiles.co.uk/

    these have a link to contact them if you have lost money, might be worth doing so and see if they can offer any advice for your neighbour?
  • lilibet1
    lilibet1 Posts: 820 Forumite
    She is very lucky to have a neighbour like you, im pleased that she has confided in you. If she is feeling any where near suicidal i honestly think a trip to the dr is needed.

    Apart from that i cant help as im a newbie and not experienced but the others are and they will look after you and your friend.

    x
  • mctavish33
    mctavish33 Posts: 9 Forumite
    edited 28 March 2010 pm31 7:25PM
    lilibet1 wrote: »
    She is very lucky to have a neighbour like you, im pleased that she has confided in you. If she is feeling any where near suicidal i honestly think a trip to the dr is needed.

    Apart from that i cant help as im a newbie and not experienced but the others are and they will look after you and your friend.

    x


    You may well be right about the Dr part I am sure it was more than suicidal ideaisation but getting her to go is another thing She is very embarassed

    McT
  • Doucam wrote: »
    It's phishing, I have sent you a pm with a link to what looks to be a helpful site.


    these have a link to contact them if you have lost money, might be worth doing so and see if they can offer any advice for your neighbour?


    Thanks for that Doucam I had a quick look

    All of her problems were through the telephone She has no access to the web I think it started with a random call congratulating her on her BIG win
    Then once she had sent the first lot of money the letters flooded in
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