A CANADIAN detective is joining forces with Dorset police, trading standards officers and consumer groups in a bid to stamp out Canadian lottery scams.

In recent years thousands of unsuspecting UK residents have been conned into parting with cash, including a single mum from Bournemouth who lost £2,428.

Unemployed Laticia Brook, 49, from Winton sent her savings to an address in Montreal after receiving a phone call saying she had won a lottery prize.

Another Bournemouth woman was ripped off to the tune of £2,500 after being tricked by a phone fraudster and borrowing money to send to Canada.

Christchurch pensioner Pete Hall contacted the Daily Echo after Canadian customs officials stepped in to save his brother-in-law from falling victim to a lottery scam.

In another local case, a potential victim went to the Nationwide Building Society to withdraw money from her savings but quick-thinking staff immediately alerted the police.

DS Barry Elliott from the Ontario Provincial Police will meet Dorset crime prevention officers, trading standards and Office of Fair Trading officers on Monday.

As well as highlighting the need for close co-operation between the UK and Canada to help tackle the problem, he will discuss the success of the Canadian initiative PhoneBusters, a national police scheme set up to target deceptive telemarketing scams.

Colin Brown from the OFT said: "Millions of pounds are being lost by UK consumers to this scam so it is vital that we tackle the problem through continued co-operation.

"It remains a top priority for all those involved in crime enforcement."

Canada does not have a state backed national lottery. Private lotteries do not target UK consumers.

First published: Sept 25