Lottery scams

According to OFT research (pdf 303kb) lottery scams cost the British public an estimated £260 million a year. An estimated 140,000 adults fall victim to these scams every year, and the average loss per victim is £1,900.

Lottery scams are often based outside the UK, although they may use fake UK addresses. They may also look real and can claim to be part of reputable lotteries, for example, the Spanish El Gordo lottery or the UK National Lottery. Consumers receive a letter, telephone call or email out of the blue, telling them that they have won a major cash prize in a lottery. They will often be told to telephone a sales agent who will ask the victim to send money - often by money transfer - to cover administration, customs and taxes. The winnings do not exist and are never received.

The OFT's lottery scams campaign launched on 30 November and aims to increase understanding about lottery scams, and provide consumers with simple, practical advice on how to avoid being conned. See campaign information pack (pdf 820kb) and press release.

Visit the Consumer Direct website for more lottery scams information and tips.

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To find out more about the campaign please contact Paul McSherry at paul.mcsherry@oft.gov.uk.

 

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