The Regina Police Service would like to warn residents of a lottery scam targeting senior citizens. The scam begins with residents receiving a phone call advising them they are a 1st prize winner in a lottery. In order to claim the prize they are to wire transfer funds to a “broker”. Typically, this so-called broker is someone outside of Canada. When the victim makes the first transfer of funds to the “broker”, the caller continues to call the victim stating that more funds are required for taxes and brokerage fees.
Please be advised that no legitimate lottery in Canada will require you to pay fees or taxes on money won. Never send money to a stranger using a wire transfer service. These transactions are instantaneous, with money paid out at the time of pick-up, leaving no opportunity for the victim to get his or her money back. Even if authorities are successful in identifying and charging a suspect, the funds have already disappeared.
Signs it’s a scam:
- You have won money for a lottery you don’t remember buying a ticket for.
- You are advised by phone you have won the prize.
- You have been asked to send money to receive your money.
- You have been instructed to use a money wire transfer service.
- You have been instructed to keep your winning a secret.
The Regina Police Service has had two known victims within the last week. If you have been involved in such a scam and have lost money as a result please immediately contact the wire transfer service first to cancel the transfer and report the fraud to them. Then contact the Regina Police Service 306-777-6500 or your local police agency to further investigate.
