Trading standards warn of door-to-door lottery scam

Added: 07/05/2008
Category: Suffolk County Council

Trading standards are issuing a warning today after a conman attempted to defraud a local resident out of over £600.

The report came after a local woman attended the Trickster theatre event yesterday in Halesworth. After seeing the show, which highlights the dangers of doorstep callers and con artists, she came forward to report the matter to trading standards officers.

The Leiston resident reported that her elderly mother had been phoned by a someone claiming she had won £350,000 on the so-called 'Trans-Atlantic lottery'. In order for the elderly woman to claim her prize all she needed to do was provide her identity details, such as a driving licence and bank details, along with a fee of £200.

The fraudster made an appointment to call at the house yesterday to take the elderly woman to the bank to collect the £200. However, as the woman's daughter had seen the Trickster production, she knew to report the matter to the county's trading standards department who arranged for the local police to wait at the house to intercept the conman.

In a further twist, the man then called to say that he could not come to the house in person because of problems with his visa. To sort out the problem the woman was asked to send a further £425 to his account immediately.

Officers fear that this is not an isolated case and he will continue to target residents across the county, particularly in the north of Suffolk. Residents are reminded to be on their guard and follow the trading standards advice:

· Never sign up for anything on the doorstep - if in doubt, get advice and guidance from someone you trust
· No deal will ever be so good that it won't be repeated
· Never give your bank or identity details to a stranger
· If you have to pay a fee to claim a prize or lottery win - then ask them to take the fee out of your so-called winnings
· If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is
· If in doubt, call Consumer Direct for further advice on 08454 040506 or www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

On a final note, given the recent hot weather, Suffolk County Council's trading standards officers are also reminding homeowners that tarmaccers and garden gangs may well be knocking door to door looking for work.

Officers' advice is:

· A reputable builder, tree surgeon or gardener will not have to tout for trade door to door but will come through personal recommendations.

· Never agree to building or gardening work without getting three quotes first and never hand over cash on the doorstep.

· If in doubt, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
· Any threats on the doorstep from callers should be reported immediately to the police.