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News

CASH PRIZE LETTERS

Local people are being warned about letters offering cash awards and prizes from foreign lotteries and prize draws.

The Borough of Poole’s Consumer Protection Services are advising people to be aware of letters stating "Guaranteed Cash Grand Prize", "Approved Award Claim Certificate" or "You are Confirmed to Receive £600,000" which suggest consumers have won a considerable amount of money, a car or a holiday.

Peter Pawlowski, Head of Consumer Protection, said: "These offers, which appear to be too good to be true, usually are. When you read the small print, it becomes clear customers are only being entered in a prize draw and can end up with either a very small cash prize or a gift of little value. In many cases consumers are asked to pay a registration or promotion fee, which can be anything up to £70, in order to be eligible for entry. The best advice I can give is to ignore them and keep your money in your pocket".

The letters appear to originate from Canada, America, Australia and the Netherlands although some are generated within the British Isles. Senders use Post Office box numbers as collection or distribution centres and are difficult to trace.

Any information received by Consumer Protection Services is forwarded to the Office of Fair Trading which is taking action to curtail these operations.

Residents who receive letters offering cash prize offers can contact Consumer Protection Services in their area for further advice on:
Borough of Poole, tel: (01202) 261700
Bournemouth Borough Council, tel: (01202) 451551
Dorset County Council, tel: (01305) 224012

jeff morley - tel 01202 261710