Unlucky numbers from lottery con (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Unlucky numbers from lottery con

Robert Taylour of Swindon trading standards is concerned about the latest scamPEOPLE are being asked to be on their guard against a scam, which has targeted ethnic minorities.

Two Swindon residents have lost huge sums of money after falling victim to the con when they were persuaded that they had won prizes in a Spanish lottery.

They were told that they had to send cash before the organisers could release the prize money.

A spokeswoman for Swindon Council said: "The residents have spent many thousands on fees and taxes but received no prize money."

Coun Jemima Milton (Con, Wroughton & Chiseldon), lead member for environment and transport, said: "Two people, both from ethnic backgrounds, phoned Trading Standards saying they had been caught up in a Spanish lottery scam.

"We're now trying very hard to reach some ethnic minorities who are difficult to contact through normal forms of media.

"We are getting in touch with leaders at mosques and temples so they can tell people not to get caught up in this scam."

Mrs Milton said they were particularly keen to make contact with Moslem and Sikh communities.

She said: "It's really important that we do everything to warn others about this.

"There are always scams about and they always target the most vulnerable.

"People need to be very cautious when they hear they have won a lottery saying 'if you send the tax we will send the money.

"This always affects people who can least afford to lose the money."

In the past Robert Taylour, public protection group leader, has warned people in Swindon to look out for similar cons.

He said: "The best way to prevent these scams is for consumers to stop sending money. This is always more effective than trying to catch the criminals after they have already conned consumers out of their money.

A spokeswoman for Swindon council said: "Anyone who believes they have received a letter informing you that you have won a prize is strongly recommended not to send any money but to contact Swindon Borough Council trading standards service at the Safer Swindon Shop, 38 Havelock Street or telephone Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06."

David Andrew