A warning has been issued after a fake letter claiming to be about a big lottery win was sent to an address in Aberdeen.
Trading Standards, who confirmed the letter was a scam, have urged people to take care and not to fall victim to the hoax.
The Bridge of Don resident was told they had won a sum of just under a million pounds by a group claiming to be the International Postcode Lottery.
They are warned to not make the information public ‘to avoid unwarranted abuse’ and, ironically, to prevent ‘fraudulent acts’.
Aberdeen City Council Trading Standards manager Graeme Paton said: “These types of letters tend to come around in cycles so it’s very likely other people in the city and across Scotland are getting these in the post.
“There’s no such competition – as simple as that. This is just a way of harvesting bank account numbers and other personal details that you will be asked to provide – whether as part of the claim or for ‘security reasons’.
“You may also be asked for payments to cover costs such as taxes or clearance fees – no lottery, or other competition, should ask for payments other than your initial ticket purchase.”
Similar letters have been circulated across the country before, with the best advice being that you have to enter competitions to win.
If you haven’t entered, then it’s likely your alleged win is a scam.
Anyone wanting advice or to report any suspicious letters or emails can contact Aberdeen Trading Standards officers on 03000 200 292, or tradingstandards@aberdeencity.gov.uk.
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe