Suffolk police are warning people to be aware of bogus Spanish lottery scams that claim the recipient has won a substantial amount of money.

Since the beginning of the year Suffolk police have had around a hundred reports from residents who have received letters stating they have won a portion of an international lottery they have not even entered.

The letters include a processing form that requests all personal and bank details including account number, sort code and the banks address. These details could then be used to gain access to people’s accounts.


As well as the form recipients are given a phone number to call. Anyone who does so will be asked to send money in order to release his or her winnings, it is likely this will be thousands of pounds.

These scams usually target the elderly and vulnerable people but its possible anyone could be on the receiving end. They may come through the post, over the phone or in an email but they are all there to separate the people from their money.

Detective Inspector Caroline Millar of the Force Intelligence Bureau says, “We urge people to be on their guard for letters and scams such as these. However official a letter may appear do not get tempted to pass on your details or part with any of your money. Any letters offering such large prize amounts can obviously look very attractive but just remember, if it sounds to good too be true then it probably is.”


If you believe you are a victim of a fraud contact Suffolk Police on 01473 613500. If you have received a similar scam, or something you suspect to be a scam, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.