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Canadian Swindlers Target UK Pensioners

``…Warwick Pelta, a pensioner from Southampton, fell victim to the scam.

``…He was told to sit down by the caller as he had some marvellous news - Warwick had won second prize in the Canadian Lottery and was soon to be £500,000 richer.

``Warwick was told that his name had been entered into the lottery draw and been picked at random.

``But there was a sting in the tail: In order to get the money Warwick would have to wire an 'administration fee' of £1,600 to Canada.

``…the OFT says thousands of others have been tricked before him.

``…The day after receiving the call Warwick wired the money.

``But no winnings arrived - only requests for more cash.

``…In total, the scam cost him more than £9,000 and the impact his life has been huge.

``…In the cruellest cut of all, Warwick was told to wait in with Eunice as lottery representative would be arriving with champagne and flowers to hand over the winnings.

```We waited into the small hours for the representative to arrive, he never did. I knew then that I had been conned - I was sick to the pit of my stomach.'

``…The OFT advice is clear: consumers who receive a call from a lottery firm telling them they have won should hang-up…"

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