Warning over Spanish lotto scam

Letters asking for bank account information have been sent

Trading standards officers are reacting after a "flurry of calls" from people living on Anglesey who have been targeted by fraudsters.

The residents had been sent letters saying they had won a Spanish lottery but needed to disclose bank account information to claim their prize.

They were also asked to send a fee before the money was awarded.

Anyone who receives such a mailing is advised not to give out their bank details or part with any money.

Anglesey Council's trading standards officers say the scam is being run by a company calling itself the El Gordo de la Primitiva Lottery in Madrid and has nothing to do with the real lottery in Spain - El Gordo.

The scam is thought to be run from abroad.

Tthe Office of Fair Trading is now liaising with its Spanish counterparts to try to take action to stop the offenders sending out the mail shots.

Councillor John Williams said: "This type of scam preys on people's hopes and goodwill and is a blatant attempt to con people out of money through deception.

"I would strongly advise any residents who receive this type of mailing to immediately contact trading standards, and definitely not to send any money or bank details to this rogue company."

Consumer advice officer Helen Owen added: "People should always be on their guard when offered something for nothing. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

"This scam is obviously aimed at conning people out of money rather than giving them millions of euros."

Anglesey trading standards officers can be contacted on 01248 752840.