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24/09/2004
Canadian police visit UK to help tackle lottery scammers
Canadian police will travel to Dorset next week to help in the fight against fake Canadian lottery scams.
Thousands of UK residents have already been targeted, and have fallen victim to the fraudulent lottery schemes which promise winnings from the Canadian national lottery in return for administration or release fees.
Detective Staff Sergeant Elliot from the Ontario Provincial Police will meet trading standards officers on Monday September 27 alongside Office of Fair Trading (OFT) staff to discuss best practice and how close cooperation between the UK and Canada is helping to tackle the problem.
He will also talk about his experience on the Canadian initiative PhoneBusters - a national police scheme set up specifically to target deceptive telemarketing scams.
Announcing the visit, Colin Brown, Director of Co-regulation, Codes and Coordination at the OFT, said: "Millions of pounds are being lost by UK consumers to this scam so it is vital that we tackle the problem through continued cooperation and it remains a top priority for all involved in crime enforcement. Sergeant Elliot's visit is a key part of that strategy to keep a high profile for the Canadian lottery scam and to share best practice with UK enforcement and consumer agencies."
Canada does not have a state backed national lottery. Super Sevens and 6/49 are legitimate private lotteries in Canada but they do not target UK consumers to enter or take part, and they are not state funded.
The OFT is working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Competition Bureau of Canada, Phonebusters, the Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police, Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services and the Attorney General's Office for British Columbia to tackle Canadian Lottery scams.
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Thousands of UK residents have already been targeted, and have fallen victim to the fraudulent lottery schemes which promise winnings from the Canadian national lottery in return for administration or release fees.
Detective Staff Sergeant Elliot from the Ontario Provincial Police will meet trading standards officers on Monday September 27 alongside Office of Fair Trading (OFT) staff to discuss best practice and how close cooperation between the UK and Canada is helping to tackle the problem.
He will also talk about his experience on the Canadian initiative PhoneBusters - a national police scheme set up specifically to target deceptive telemarketing scams.
Announcing the visit, Colin Brown, Director of Co-regulation, Codes and Coordination at the OFT, said: "Millions of pounds are being lost by UK consumers to this scam so it is vital that we tackle the problem through continued cooperation and it remains a top priority for all involved in crime enforcement. Sergeant Elliot's visit is a key part of that strategy to keep a high profile for the Canadian lottery scam and to share best practice with UK enforcement and consumer agencies."
Canada does not have a state backed national lottery. Super Sevens and 6/49 are legitimate private lotteries in Canada but they do not target UK consumers to enter or take part, and they are not state funded.
The OFT is working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Competition Bureau of Canada, Phonebusters, the Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police, Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services and the Attorney General's Office for British Columbia to tackle Canadian Lottery scams.
(gmcg/mb)
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15 October 2003
New agreement to see crackdown on international scams
A new level of co-operation to crack down on the menace of international scams has been announced by the Department of Trade and Industry. UK consumers have in the past fallen victim to bogus Canadian lottery scams, and dubious e-mail approaches urging people to part with their money often originate from overseas, the department said.
New agreement to see crackdown on international scams
A new level of co-operation to crack down on the menace of international scams has been announced by the Department of Trade and Industry. UK consumers have in the past fallen victim to bogus Canadian lottery scams, and dubious e-mail approaches urging people to part with their money often originate from overseas, the department said.
28 May 2003
National Lottery ticket sales fall continues
Figures released today from National Lottery operator Camelot have revealed that there has been a massive fall in the sales of the main Lotto game. Ticket sales plunged 12% for the draw, but Camelot has pledged to return the lottery to growth with "innovative new draws".
National Lottery ticket sales fall continues
Figures released today from National Lottery operator Camelot have revealed that there has been a massive fall in the sales of the main Lotto game. Ticket sales plunged 12% for the draw, but Camelot has pledged to return the lottery to growth with "innovative new draws".
02 July 2015
Heritage Lottery Grants For 10 Projects In Wales
A total of £2.6m is to be invested by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in 10 projects across Wales. The grants will benefit both small and large communities, and provide some much-needed support for the country's industrial, maritime, natural and sporting heritage.
Heritage Lottery Grants For 10 Projects In Wales
A total of £2.6m is to be invested by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in 10 projects across Wales. The grants will benefit both small and large communities, and provide some much-needed support for the country's industrial, maritime, natural and sporting heritage.
01 August 2012
Shop Worker Admits £1m Lottery Ticket Fraud
A shop worker tried to falsely claim a £1m Lottery prize by telling its owner she had won nothing. Farrakh Nizzar told 77-year-old great-grandmother Maureen Holt he would throw her ticket away after scanning it at a convenience store in Oldham. But he later phoned a lottery hotline saying he had bought the ticket from the store.
Shop Worker Admits £1m Lottery Ticket Fraud
A shop worker tried to falsely claim a £1m Lottery prize by telling its owner she had won nothing. Farrakh Nizzar told 77-year-old great-grandmother Maureen Holt he would throw her ticket away after scanning it at a convenience store in Oldham. But he later phoned a lottery hotline saying he had bought the ticket from the store.
04 August 2009
More Lottery Cash For Veterans
Veterans of World War II are to receive further lottery cash to allow them to visit battlefields overseas. As news of another big Lottery winner emerged - this time in Northern Ireland where a man has scooped almost £4.
More Lottery Cash For Veterans
Veterans of World War II are to receive further lottery cash to allow them to visit battlefields overseas. As news of another big Lottery winner emerged - this time in Northern Ireland where a man has scooped almost £4.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
