Spanish FIFA lottery scam warning

The warning comes this week from Cookstown Ulster Unionist Councillor Trevor Wilson who received correspondence from the ‘Spanish Lottery Commission in Switzerland’, advising him that he had been approved for a lump sum pay out of £900,000.

The letter addressed personally to Cllr Wilson states that the programme was designed and promoted by the European Lottery, Loteria, Ed Gordo and Qatar Football Association and the Spanish National Lottery. The aim is to promote the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup which is to be hosted by Russia and Qatar respectively, according to the letter

Recipients are asked to post their claim form to what appears to be a bona-fide address in Canary Wharf, London. However no bank details are asked for at this stage, but this is perhaps to lull people into a sense of security.

Cllr Wilson wants to warn people in Mid-Ulster about this authentic looking letter.

“I have never been to Spain or bought a Spanish lottery ticket,” he said. “People should realise this is fraud and if they receive a suspicious looking letter, they are advised to report it to the PSNI.”

Anyone who has concerns about any kind of correspondence which asks for personal details such as name, address and occupation are asked to contact the PSNI in Cookstown on 0845 600 8000.