RESIDENTS in Islington have been warned about con artists using a fake Spanish lottery to target local people. <br> <br>Islington Council's Trading Standards officers have received several complaints about letters and emails sent from the Madrid-based Euromilliones Lottery.<br><br>In the letter, sent from Spain, it tells the person they have won the Spanish lottery and that the prize money is 'deposited' with a bank. <br><br>It goes on to say 'we ask that you keep this award from public notice until your claim has been processed'. <br><br>To claim the prize, the 'winner' has to fill in a form and supply details such as name, date of birth, occupation, marital status, bank name, account number and even next of kin, as well as a signature.<br><br>Anyone who replies will then be contacted and asked for various fees so the alleged prize can be released. <br><br>Councillor Marisha Ray, Islington Council's Executive Member for Community Safety and Public Protection, said: "It is easy to fall victim to this sort of scam. <br><br>"But If you do get one of these letters, ask yourself how you could win a prize if you have not bought a ticket? <br><br>"Once you respond to bogus promotions of this sort, your name and address is likely to be placed on other lists for similar scams.<br><br>"It is very important that none of us reveal credit card or bank account details unless we are absolutely sure who we are dealing with.<br><br>"There is a lot of truth in the old saying 'if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is'."<br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009