Police in Surrey are investigating several fraud cases in connection with lottery scams. People from the county have lost thousands of pounds after being tricked into believing they had won a European or international lottery. A police spokesperson said the victims had been contacted by phone or in a letter by fraudsters and then asked to pay fees to "release" their winnings. Surrey Police warned residents to "guard against" similar scams. In May, an elderly lady from Reigate received a letter claiming that she had won the jackpot in the Spanish lottery and that she had to pay 5% towards her winnings. She was in regular telephone communication with the suspect and as a result transferred almost �75,000 to three banks in Spain. Late claim fines Another woman, from Maybury, handed over more than �7,500 cash for various certificates in order for her to claim her win in the Spanish lottery in March before the police were informed. A woman from Leatherhead was defrauded out of �3,500 by people claiming she had won a lottery in Costa Rica. And a woman from Addlestone spent �15,000 on so-called fines for late claims and tax on a supposed win on the Euromillions lottery. Det Ch Ins William Lyle, from Surrey Police, said: "Anyone who is contacted by someone claiming that they have won the lottery and is asked to part with money or pass on any of their personal details, should refuse to do so. "They should immediately seek advice from family or friends and contact Surrey Police."
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