A TELEPHONE marketing scam now hitting the UK from Canada is the focus of a new OFT campaign.
Thousands of UK residents have already received unsolicited phone calls and sent thousands of pounds to fraudulent lottery schemes operating out of Canada.
People respond to an unsolicited mailing or phone call telling them they are being entered into a prize draw. Their names are then added to a target or 'sucker' list which is made available to numerous direct-marketing and telemarketing operators.
Victims then receive an unsolicited phone call from Canada congratulating them on winning the 'big prize' in a national lottery such as the Canadian, Australian or Spanish.
The victim is told that before they can claim the prize, they must send money to pay for taxes and processing fees.
The OFT is aware of people who have lost up to £67,000 as they respond to more and more telephone calls demanding payments to cover costs in order to receive their prize. The prize doesn't exist, and they never receive any winnings in return for their cash.
According to the OFT, the elderly are particularly at risk. Over 80% of victims are more than 65 years old, but anybody can receive a phone call. In many cases victims have received a number of phone calls from somebody who tries to be-friend them, asking them about their family and interests, before they call them again to tell them they have won a prize.
The caller may pose as a government official, customs officer or lawyer.
Evidence shows that most victims do not report the crime through embarrassment. Some fear that they may lose control of their finances because of their age.
In its latest campaign the OFT is urging people not to respond to these telephone calls and encour-aging them to alert their family and friends to the scheme and it dangers.
The OFT is working closely with the Canadian authorities to try and take action against the fraudsters. The Canadian authorities have already had some major successes arresting more than 50 people and closing down numerous call centres.
Where the Canadian law enforcement officers have been provided with evidence, they have also been able to disrupt the fraudsters' activities and intercept maildrops.
Although, the OFT cannot take up cases on behalf of individuals, anybody who has received a phone call and/or sent money to the Canadian lottery can call the hotline to give their evidence and help put a stop to the scam. The number is: 020 7211 8111.
Penny Boys, OFT executive director, said: 'This is a professionally organised operation and the people involved are very persuasive. By alerting consumers to such scams we hope people will recognise the tactics they use and will think again about sending their money away.'
