Think Twice Before Claiming Unexpected Prizes

19 May 2012

Every week, people across Northumberland will receive the 'exciting' news that they've won a once-in-a-lifetime prize or have the 'unique' opportunity to buy cut-rate shares.

Whilst we'd all like to believe that such good fortune would be so widespread, the letters are usually simple scams designed to exploit the trusting, or the desperate.

Unfortunately, in these difficult times, fraudulent letters are a con that more and more people find themselves falling for - the BBC reports that around 10 per cent of adults have responded to scam letters, with more than half of those going on to lose over £50 as a result.

The police have estimated that every year £3.5bn is scammed from UK citizens, approximately £2.4bn of which is believed to be as a result of mail scams.

The letters are written in a convincing and persuasive manner to encourage the recipient to respond and will try to establish a relationship with the victim in an attempt to lure their targets into a false sense of security.

The majority of those tricked into responding can be some of society's most vulnerable people, who often lack the ability to judge whether the letter is genuine or are already desperate to end their existing financial difficulties.

After just one reply people are often put on a so-called 'suckers list' which is then sold to criminals all over the world, exposing the individual to further scams and potentially driving them further into debt.

As correspondence becomes more frequent it becomes harder for individuals to stop responding and if attempts are made they can be targeted with aggressive and threatening letters forcing them to continue.  

The stress of responding and keeping up to date with payments can have adverse affects on both the mental and physical health of individuals. Tragically in 2010 the Metropolitan Police reported five suicides had occurred as a result of fraud scams.

People who become involved can go on to face serious financial instability as they continue to hand over large sums of their money. One pensioner lost £50,000 to con artists as she attempted to redeem a prize.  

The organisations behind the scams are unauthorised, overseas based companies with false UK addresses, leaving those affected without any access to financial complaints or compensation schemes.

Anyone who receives a letter that seems too good to be true and are unsure of its reliability should trust their initial instincts and avoid sending any money. Advice on how to deal with scam mail is available from the police, the National Fraud Authority and customs officers.

Northumberland residents who may fallen victim to a scam and are worried about their financial stability should contact DAWN Advice through the county's dedicated advice line on 0844 4111 309.