A council is warning residents to watch out for emails purporting to be from the organisers of the London 2012 Olympics, claiming they have won a cash prize.
The scam email includes an attachment which appears to be from the London 2012 Olympics organisers. The letter states that the recipient has been chosen at random as the winner of a large cash prize.
The scam letter features London 2012 logos in an attempt to look convincing. It tries to persuade the recipient to act quickly and keep their actions a secret.
People are asked to send a number of personal details to an 'agent' who will administer the so-called claim.
This is a scam. There is no cash prize and scammers can use your personal details to commit fraud.
Protect yourself from fraud
- Always be suspicious of unexpected emails claiming you have won something.
- Never give personal information or pay money in response to emails such as these. If you are unsure, contact the company via a known phone number, such as the one listed in the phone book or on a legitimate website.
- Do not respond to emails such as these. Remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- If you have lost money to a scam like this, report it to Action Fraud.
Read more about the Olympics cash prize scam warning on Croydon Council’s website.
Please note: Action Fraud is not responsible for the content on external websites.
To report a fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool.
See also:
Olympics fraud
Prize draw scams
Phishing