23/11/2006
Charity Commission warns of lottery scam
The Charity Commission is warning the public about a new email scam, which uses the names of two well-known charities.
The scam tells recipients that they have won half a million pounds and requests personal details in order for the 'prize' to be awarded.
Callers are then asked for a sizeable amount of cash up front before the 'prize' can be processed.
The email claims to be run in conjunction with the British Red Cross and Action Against Hunger UK - neither of whom are associated with the email.
David Locke, Head of Charity Services at the Charity Commission, said: "We're warning people not to be fooled into thinking that this is a legitimate lottery because of its supposed association with the two charities named in the email - neither charity has anything to do with this scam. Any genuine correspondence from a charity will include a registered charity number and contact details, which can be checked on our website. These sorts of scams are rare, but don't become a victim of those who prey on society's trust in charity."
The Charity Commission's register of charities can be checked at www.charitycommission.gov.uk
(KMcA/EF)
The scam tells recipients that they have won half a million pounds and requests personal details in order for the 'prize' to be awarded.
Callers are then asked for a sizeable amount of cash up front before the 'prize' can be processed.
The email claims to be run in conjunction with the British Red Cross and Action Against Hunger UK - neither of whom are associated with the email.
David Locke, Head of Charity Services at the Charity Commission, said: "We're warning people not to be fooled into thinking that this is a legitimate lottery because of its supposed association with the two charities named in the email - neither charity has anything to do with this scam. Any genuine correspondence from a charity will include a registered charity number and contact details, which can be checked on our website. These sorts of scams are rare, but don't become a victim of those who prey on society's trust in charity."
The Charity Commission's register of charities can be checked at www.charitycommission.gov.uk
(KMcA/EF)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 January 2004
OFT warning over bogus doorstep charity collectors
As Britons begin think about spring cleaning, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has warned the public to be wary of bogus charity clothing collections – a practice which costs genuine charities around £1 million a year.
OFT warning over bogus doorstep charity collectors
As Britons begin think about spring cleaning, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has warned the public to be wary of bogus charity clothing collections – a practice which costs genuine charities around £1 million a year.
24 February 2005
Charities warned of 'nasty' new scam
The Charity Commission has issued a warning to charities to be on the alert for a 'clever but nasty new scam', which could lead to organisations having their bank accounts emptied.
Charities warned of 'nasty' new scam
The Charity Commission has issued a warning to charities to be on the alert for a 'clever but nasty new scam', which could lead to organisations having their bank accounts emptied.
30 April 2004
Watchdog issues May Day charity scam alert
The Charity Commission is warning people out and about over the May Bank Holiday to beware of charity scams, particularly in the London area. People are advised to make simple checks when approached by anyone selling sweets, roses and other items in pubs, clubs, concert queues and other leisure spots, in the name of charity.
Watchdog issues May Day charity scam alert
The Charity Commission is warning people out and about over the May Bank Holiday to beware of charity scams, particularly in the London area. People are advised to make simple checks when approached by anyone selling sweets, roses and other items in pubs, clubs, concert queues and other leisure spots, in the name of charity.
04 June 2003
Work of charity trustees celebrated
The Charity Commission today paid tribute to the one million charity trustees who run 185,000 charities across England and Wales for National Volunteers' Week.
Work of charity trustees celebrated
The Charity Commission today paid tribute to the one million charity trustees who run 185,000 charities across England and Wales for National Volunteers' Week.
15 February 2008
OFT In Scam Text Warning
The Office of Fair Trading has sent out thousands of fake scam text messages to 18-24-year-old mobile phone users in order to raise awareness about scams. The text message, sent out as part of Scams Awareness Month, reads: 'Urgent! U may have won £1k cash with 'A Good 2 B True'.
OFT In Scam Text Warning
The Office of Fair Trading has sent out thousands of fake scam text messages to 18-24-year-old mobile phone users in order to raise awareness about scams. The text message, sent out as part of Scams Awareness Month, reads: 'Urgent! U may have won £1k cash with 'A Good 2 B True'.
-
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.