UKGC warns customers about rise in festive lottery scams
On 15 December, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has warned customers over lottery scams on the horizon in light of the festive period
The UKGC issued a statement informing players how to spot lottery scams and avoid fraudulent lotteries. This news comes in reaction to the increase in the number of potential lottery scams synonymous with the festive period.
They provide a checklist for customers highlighting the signs that a lottery may be a scam, including but not limited to:
- Be aware of lotteries that ask you to send cash overseas, or to phone an international number or premium rate number
- Check the method of payment being asked of you, whether the site is secure or via payment gateways like PayPal
- Suspicious emails with spelling errors or inconsistencies
- An illegitimate lottery promotion would be sent from a personal email address.
- Don’t click on links sent via email; a genuine website starts with ‘https’
- Watch out for exaggerated language on lottery promotions
- Adverts that reel people in with claims that gambling is a solution to financial difficulties is prohibited
The UKGC goes on to stress the importance of checking if an operator is licenced; stating it should be licensed by the Gambling Commission or a local authority.
Additionally, it is easy to identify the legitimacy of a lottery advert on Facebook by checking if the Facebook page is verified.
The UKGC add that if one comes across a scam or what they believe to be an illegal lottery, they should immediately report it to Action Fraud or to a local authority responsible for the area it is operating in.
Recently, the UK have announced that the national minimum age requirement to engage in gambling (including the lottery) has increased from 16 to 18 years of age.
Source:
About SiGMA’s revamped website:
SiGMA Group is excited to announce the launch of its newly revamped website. The website is currently available in 6 languages, English, Russian, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish with plans to add another 4 languages over the coming months – namely Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Hindi.
