Menu
13/02/2008
Bogus Lottery Scams Taking Their Toll
This week's massive Lottery win by a Londonderry man is likely to entice further numbers of vulnerable people in NI into bogus 'draws', with many already being scammed for Lottery-level amounts.
Over £100 million is already being lost in the Province every year to bogus lotteries, prize draws and other scams.
According to Trading Standards officials, two Northern Ireland pensioners have even been fleeced of their life savings of well over £100,000 in bogus lottery scams.
They issued a warning for people to be on their guard during what is being promoted as Scams Awareness Month.
One case relates to an 80-year-old Co Down man who became hooked on a 'European Lottery Guild' and was persuaded to buy more and more tickets to improve his chances of winning, said Trading Standards.
Over the last four years he has lost over £70,000.
Meanwhile, a 70-year-old Belfast woman received a letter from the 'World Winners Council' telling her that she had won £319,000 in a lottery sweepstake and was asked to send a payment to 'release the prize'.
After many persistent phone calls to make further payments, she parted with almost £44,000 from her life savings - receiving nothing in return.
Trading Standards officer Kerry McAuley said: "Scammers use sophisticated psychological techniques to target people who are often the most vulnerable in society, particularly older people.
"I would urge family members, carers and others to help spot the warning signs before it is too late."
(BMcC)
Over £100 million is already being lost in the Province every year to bogus lotteries, prize draws and other scams.
According to Trading Standards officials, two Northern Ireland pensioners have even been fleeced of their life savings of well over £100,000 in bogus lottery scams.
They issued a warning for people to be on their guard during what is being promoted as Scams Awareness Month.
One case relates to an 80-year-old Co Down man who became hooked on a 'European Lottery Guild' and was persuaded to buy more and more tickets to improve his chances of winning, said Trading Standards.
Over the last four years he has lost over £70,000.
Meanwhile, a 70-year-old Belfast woman received a letter from the 'World Winners Council' telling her that she had won £319,000 in a lottery sweepstake and was asked to send a payment to 'release the prize'.
After many persistent phone calls to make further payments, she parted with almost £44,000 from her life savings - receiving nothing in return.
Trading Standards officer Kerry McAuley said: "Scammers use sophisticated psychological techniques to target people who are often the most vulnerable in society, particularly older people.
"I would urge family members, carers and others to help spot the warning signs before it is too late."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 November 2011
NI Lottery Fund Winners Celebrated
A scheme offering support for deaf people across the North West has been announced as a winner at the National Lottery Awards 2011.
NI Lottery Fund Winners Celebrated
A scheme offering support for deaf people across the North West has been announced as a winner at the National Lottery Awards 2011.
07 May 2013
£15m To Improve NI 'Spaces And Places'
The Big Lottery Fund is to spend £15m on improving local spaces and places in Northern Ireland. The Space and Place programme, launched today, will aim to unite communities in Northern Ireland through improving the community environment, according to the Fund. The Fund is the largest distributor of National Lottery funding.
£15m To Improve NI 'Spaces And Places'
The Big Lottery Fund is to spend £15m on improving local spaces and places in Northern Ireland. The Space and Place programme, launched today, will aim to unite communities in Northern Ireland through improving the community environment, according to the Fund. The Fund is the largest distributor of National Lottery funding.
29 March 2012
Lottery Funding To Change Lives Of Isolated Older People
A project using storytelling and reminiscence to improve the lives of isolated older people in the Northern Health Trust area has been awarded a major grant from the Big Lottery Fund. Reminiscence Network Northern Ireland is one of eight projects in Northern Ireland awarded grants totalling over £3.
Lottery Funding To Change Lives Of Isolated Older People
A project using storytelling and reminiscence to improve the lives of isolated older people in the Northern Health Trust area has been awarded a major grant from the Big Lottery Fund. Reminiscence Network Northern Ireland is one of eight projects in Northern Ireland awarded grants totalling over £3.
18 May 2011
Lottery Funds Support For Vulnerable
The Big Lottery Fund has awarded nearly £1m to NI projects supporting vulnerable youngsters - and young people - such as Ciara Maskey, 18 - (pictured) who have experienced difficulties in their own lives have been asked to help decide where the money goes.
Lottery Funds Support For Vulnerable
The Big Lottery Fund has awarded nearly £1m to NI projects supporting vulnerable youngsters - and young people - such as Ciara Maskey, 18 - (pictured) who have experienced difficulties in their own lives have been asked to help decide where the money goes.
25 August 2005
Lottery boost for NI community and voluntary groups
A vital scheme to combat anti-social behaviour in a Bangor housing estate and a project to help care for people living with cancer have bee awarded grants from the Big Lottery Fund today. Ten projects across Northern Ireland will share in a £806,306 grants roll-out from the Fund’s Voluntary and Community Sector programme.
Lottery boost for NI community and voluntary groups
A vital scheme to combat anti-social behaviour in a Bangor housing estate and a project to help care for people living with cancer have bee awarded grants from the Big Lottery Fund today. Ten projects across Northern Ireland will share in a £806,306 grants roll-out from the Fund’s Voluntary and Community Sector programme.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
