SOMERSET NEWS: Lottery scam being offered to deaf people on Facebook

POLICE would like to urge people to be aware of a scam offering lottery funding to members of the deaf community.

Avon and Somerset Police have reported one incident in which a woman was conned out £4,500 when she was contacted by someone pretending to be one of her Facebook friends.

This person told the victim about lottery funding available to members of the deaf community, but only if applicants pay a fee.

The victim transferred the money through Western Union and MoneyGram before she realised it was bogus.

DC Geoff Smith, financial investigator, said: “These despicable criminals set up a fake profile and posed as someone the victim is friends with on Facebook in order to gain her trust and take her money.

“This could happen to anyone but scammers will target the most vulnerable and older people in our community so it’s important we look out for our loved ones and neighbours.                                                                                                

“We would always advise people to be aware of anyone who is asking you for money or bank details and never to hand over or transfer money to people if they are offering free holidays, goods or services.”

Click the link below to watch a video produced by East Lancashire Deaf Society and Lancashire Constabulary about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of scammers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mowmOlOfeaQ

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