Warning from Newry MLA over lottery scam
SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty has warned local people to be aware of a scam doing the rounds claiming to offer hundreds of thousands of pounds of winnings from the People’s Post Code Lottery.
The SDLP Assemblyman believes fraudsters are targeting the elderly, frail and disabled as part of the scam and has warned local residents to be on their guard.
McNulty said, “This week I was contacted by a number of different constituents from across Newry and Armagh who each received letters from The People’s Lottery saying they had won a share of forty-five million pounds and they should get in contact to claim their prize and in return all they have to do is pay a 5% commission on all winnings.
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“This is a scam, those responsible are targeting the elderly, the vulnerable and the disabled and you should not reply to their letter.
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He continued, “I made contact with the genuine People’s Lottery organisation. They do not operate in Northern Ireland, they are an organisation based in Scotland, and yet the letter received by locals claims to be from the People’s Lottery Head Office in London.
“They are deeply concerned but not surprised about this fraud and they will be contacting the PSNI about the issue. The old saying is if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Well this certainly is the case.
“If someone or some organisation who you have never heard off or are not subscribed to is writing to you offering you money in return for your bank details or a small commission, my strong advice is to either ignore it or to contact the PSNI.
McNulty added, “We have heard too many horror stories of the elderly and frail being conned out of money. I would urge people to be extra vigilant.”
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