Fake lottery letter scam warning

Fake letters telling people they have won a prize of £355,000 in the “People’s Postcode Lottery” have been reported in Blackburn and Darwen.

The letter has been sent supposedly from the People’s Postcode Lottery to residents across the borough saying they have won money. The ‘award notification’ then goes on to request they phone a number to claim their prize. .

Trading Standards Officers are asking people to report if they receive letters from the ‘People’s Postcode Lottery’ and said true lotteries do not ask for payment. You should never give your bank details away in these circumstances.

Councillor Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive member for Environment, said:

If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. To be clear — you can’t win a Lottery you haven’t entered. Also, if you are a winner, the real People’s Postcode Lottery would never ask for payment to claim a prize. If you are at all suspicious, then report it.

Thankfully incidences where the public is affected by an illegal lottery using the People’s Postcode Lottery brand are rare, but we would encourage anyone who has encountered a scam to report it.”

If you think you have been a victim of a scam, or if you are concerned that a family member or friend has become a victim, please report this on 0300 1232040.