A FIFA Lottery scam is targeting households in the North East during the World Cup, prompting warnings from local authorities. A female resident of Northumberland recently received a fraudulent letter stating she had won over £800,000 from an International FIFA World Cup Online Lottery.
The letter, which features counterfeit FIFA logos, instructs victims to pay an administrative fee, tax, or insurance charge before the prize can be released. Victims are given a seven-day deadline to comply. The scam aims to manipulate recipients into sending money or sensitive personal data under the guise of processing fees.
Council Urges Vigilance
The Trading Standards department at Northumberland County Council is urging residents to be vigilant, noting widespread reports of the same scam in other areas. Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Public Safety at Northumberland County Council, said: "Major sporting events often give criminals an opportunity to take advantage of public excitement and trick people into handing over money or personal information. Unfortunately, the Football World Cup has been a prime time for scammers to target residents who may be vulnerable or off-guard because of the hype."
Stewart added: "If you are contacted out of the blue about winning a lottery or competition, especially if you never entered one, and there is a request to pay a fee in order to retrieve the prize, it is most certainly a scam. Legitimate lotteries never ask for upfront payments."
How to Protect Yourself
Residents are being urged to share the warning with friends, family, and neighbours, particularly older people and those who may be more vulnerable to scams. If they receive the letter, they should not reply or call the number on the letter, and never share bank details or copies of ID.
Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to the fraud can report it to Report Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
