Lottery Scam Stealing £50K from Victims Across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Police in Bedfordshire are sounding the alarm over a shocking lottery scam that has swiped £50,000 in cash and valuables from four victims between late September and October.
How the Scam Works
Men of South Asian heritage have been targeted by two conmen in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. The pair approach victims on the street, claiming to have a winning lottery ticket they can’t claim due to immigration issues.
They pretend to be speaking to a third man on the phone — supposedly from the National Lottery — and offer to share the winnings. But first, they demand a “deposit” in cash or jewellery.
Victims are then driven back to their homes to collect valuables before the scammers vanish without a trace.
The Suspects
- One man described as Eastern European
- The other of South Asian heritage
Incidents have been reported in Greyfriars, Bedford; Marsh Road, Luton; as well as Watford and Potters Bar.
Police Warn Public to Stay Vigilant
“We want to hear from anyone with info on these incidents. More importantly, people need to be alert to this scam and not fall victim,” said Detective Sergeant Greg Davenport of Bedfordshire Police.
DS Davenport’s Top Tips to Avoid Lottery Scams
- Don’t trust strangers suddenly offering easy money.
- Beware of pressure to act fast — it’s a classic trick to force cash handovers.
- Speak to family or close friends immediately if approached with suspicious offers.
- Keep conversations open with older relatives and neighbours about scams.
- Always report anything fishy to the police.
If you have any information, call 101 or report online. More crime prevention advice is available on the police website.
