Fake messages claiming you have won a People's Postcode Lottery prize are used to steal your personal and financial details.
What is happening?
Messages — by phone, email, or social media — claim to be from the People's Postcode Lottery and tell you that you have won a prize. You are asked to follow a link or call a number to claim it. Some versions ask for a small payment to release the winnings. None of it is genuine.
Why does this scam work?
The People's Postcode Lottery is a well-known and legitimate organisation, which makes its name a useful cover for fraudsters. The promise of a win is exciting, and the request to act quickly — before the prize is reallocated — is designed to stop you checking whether it is real.
Warning signs:
Any message telling you that you have won a Postcode Lottery prize you did not enter. A request to pay a fee to release your winnings — genuine lotteries never ask for this. A link or phone number provided in an unsolicited message.
What to do:
You can only win the People's Postcode Lottery if you have signed up and are an active player. If you receive a message and are unsure, go directly to postcodelottery.co.uk by typing the address yourself. Never pay a fee to claim a prize. Report scam emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk and scam calls by texting the number to 7726.
