Lottery Win Scam

lincroft1710

The following was reported by local police. Although I'm fairly certain MSErs wouldn't be taken in by this, it may be worth warning any vulnerable or gullible people you know

"Victims in North Hertfordshire have reportedly been approached by an offender claiming to be an illegal immigrant who has won the lottery.

The offender states that they are unable to claim the lottery win due to their immigration status and asks the victim to claim it on their behalf, in return for a cut of the prize money. The offender often has an accomplice who poses as a member of the public, keen to take up the offer.

The offender then asks for a deposit from the victim, in the form of cash or high-value jewellery, to secure the deal.

Five reports have been received so far by Hertfordshire Constabulary with some victims losing up to £5,000".

IAmWales

Difficult to feel sympathy for people blinded by greed.

(But thank you for the warning for others that may be similarly taken in.)

Pollycat

Yes, thanks for the warning.
But gob-smacked that anyone would fall for this.

shaun_from_Africa

Pollycat wrote: »

Yes, thanks for the warning.
But gob-smacked that anyone would fall for this.

It's a bit like the advance fee scam ("I'm a Nigerian prince and have come into $10,000,000, but I need a bit of help to get it out of the country") or the people who fall for the love of their life after seeing a couple of pictures on an international dating site then send them money to enable them to come to the UK.

These scammers may try 1000 people with no takers but hit it lucky on number 1001 and it only takes that one person to make the whole thing worthwhile.

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Greed gets in the weigh of numpties empty headiness!

boo_star

Not really new, I think “The Real Hustle” did it 10 years ago.

hollydays

I agree with all the comments, but I’ve also read about people who’ve been in such desperate financial straits , they saw this as sort of thing the only way out.

paddyrg

IAmWales wrote: »

Difficult to feel sympathy for people blinded by greed.

(But thank you for the warning for others that may be similarly taken in.)

"You can't cheat an honest man" - not absolutely true, but there's something in it

missile

By this time next year we will be millionaires

JReacher1

I never know how people fall for this. Who would give £5k to some random stranger

Pollycat

JReacher1 wrote: »

I never know how people fall for this. Who would give £5k to some random stranger

Greedy, gullible people, maybe.....