WILTSHIRE police are warning residents to be aware of a telemarketing scam which claims people have won money but in order to claim their 'prize' they have to pay a fee.
The scam originates from Canada and in Wiltshire the fraud squad is investigating two complaints from people in the Salisbury area. Fortunately, the complainants did not part with any money.
The scam works by people being told over the telephone that they have won money in a Canadian lottery or another foreign lottery.
Detective Inspector Paul Ginger, head of Wiltshire Police's fraud squad, said the caller says that the winnings will be presented in the United Kingdom with media exposure.
But to receive their prize the recipient must pay one per cent of the total by a wire transfer.
DI Ginger said once people had sent off the fee, typically £2,000, they never hear from the fraudsters again.
He said: "People should be aware if they have never bought a ticket they cannot win a prize despite the stories they are told by the caller."
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