Sheffielders warned about persistent 'online lottery' scam

Scam artists are trying their luck with locals across Sheffield as many people in the area have been receiving letters falsely claiming they have won the ‘International Fifa world cup online lottery’.

The hoax letter features popular branding associated with football in an attempt to make the letter seem more legitimate and it endeavours to ‘excite’ the reader with a false sense of victory.

Research carried out by the force suggests that this is a particularly old scam as records show it has been used before, however, locals should remain cautious as scam artists wouldn’t use it again if it didn’t work.

In a post on Facebook, South Yorkshire police, said: “People in our area have recently received letters from scam artists and chancers trying their luck. If you receive a letter from "the international fifa world cup online lottery" please don't engage with them.

"A quick search throws up many pages of results showing that this one is a well worn scam dating back to 2018, but it must work because they're still doing it.

"If anyone contacts you offering you free money for a car accident you haven't had, a lottery ticket that you didn't buy, please be cautious, and be as sceptical as you would with anything else that seems just a bit too good to be true".

You can Report any fraud attempts to https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ and take advantage of the telephone preference service, https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/ and mail preference service: https://www.mpsonline.org.uk/

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.