 People with alleged wins are asked to give their bank details |
Trading standards officers have issued a warning in a bid to prevent people in Aberdeen falling victim to a Spanish lottery scam targeting the city. Mailings claiming to come from El Gordo de la Primitiva Lottery in Madrid are being sent out telling of alleged wins.
However, to claim a prize, recipients are asked to provide their bank account details and told that 10% of the winnings will be retained for costs.
When they are asked for fees to release their prize they receive nothing.
The El Gordo lottery is the official Spanish lottery, but it is only open to Spanish residents.
The people behind the scam are not connected to the real El Gordo lottery.
Similar scams are also believed to be operating under the names La Primitiva and Euromillions.
Trading standards officials are aware of one consumer who was asked to pay �970 up front.
William Fraser, Aberdeen trading standards manager, said: "You should always be suspicious if you are contacted regarding winning a prize when you have not actually entered a lottery or competition.
"No bona fide lottery, such as El Gordo Spanish Lottery, would demand up-front fees.
"Never give out your personal bank details in response to an unsolicited call or mailing."
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Never give out your personal bank details in response to an unsolicited call or mailing
