Bradford Residents Warned- It Could be You!

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Police in Bradford are urging residents to be aware of a financial scam which has seen some lose tens of thousands of pounds.

In the most recent case, a local woman made a payment of £20,000 believing she had won millions on the lottery.

PC Toni Hinnells of Bradford South Police is investigating and explains the circumstances:

"Those behind the scam first contact their victims by telephone, claiming they have won the lottery or a cash prize.

"These people try to use tactics of manipulation to draw people in, often making religious references and striking up a friendship.

"They subsequently request that an administration fee is paid to release the lottery funds using a money transfer service.

"Many financial institutions offer this, and is a legitimate means of sending money which involves the use of a pin number.

"Once the pin number is provided to the suspects, however; the money is immediately withdrawn from outside of the UK making them extremely difficult to trace. The lottery funds which clearly do not exist are also never seen.

"There have been several reports of such offences over the last few weeks across the Bradford District.

"We have therefore organised an open day between 1-3pm on 21 February at the Farnham Children’s Centre. I will be joining my colleague PC Isobel Gudgeon to meet with local people and offer advice on fraud prevention.

"I would ask that people remain vigilant when speaking to unknown callers and never to pass on personal information or banking details.

"If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is, and we would urge those who are contacted via this method, to inform the police.

"We have discovered that these funds are being deposited in the Bradford area and it is possible that those behind this scam are local.

"If you have any information which could help in our enquiries or would like any crime prevention advice, please call the non emergency number 101."