Competition scams complaints

1) The total number of complaints received in the last two years up to the current date regarding:

a) Competition scams

b) Fake competitions

c) Competitions that failed to pay out promised prizes



2) For each complaint, please provide:

a) The date the complaint was received

b) A brief description or categorisation of the complaint (e.g. 'fake social media competition', 'entry fee taken but no winner announced', etc.) name of company etc.

c) The medium or platform involved (if available), such as social media, websites, text/SMS, email, or others

d) Whether the complaint resulted in any investigation, action, or referral to another body

e) If possible, please break down the complaints by year and month. 

1. As of the date of this request, 21st July 2025, Lincolnshire County Council have received two complaints in the last two years.

2)

Complaint Date: November 2023

Consumer reports they were told they had won £1000 and were asked to provide their personal details via social media.  No further details held. 

Complainant was provided with advice and the complaint closed for intelligence purposes.  Consumer was aware this was a scam.   

Complaint Date: September 2024

Consumer reports receiving various scam phone calls.  Some of these claim they have won a prize or have won money that they need to claim.  No further details known.  Consumer is aware this was a scam but was receiving a lot of phone calls and felt intimidated by these.  Visit undertaken and support provide to the consumer. 

A further twenty-two referrals have been made to the service relating to potential scam victims in this period that may have experienced prize draw/competition scams.  These were not complaints as such but referrals from outside agencies for potential victims of these scams.  These are referred to ascertain if they have been victims, and if so, offer support and safeguard victims.