Saskatchewan RCMP are warning of a significant increase in lottery scams occurring across the province.
A significant number of these include scammers claiming to be a representatives from STARS Air Ambulance saying that the person has won a vehicle or a significant cash prize.
“Everyone dreams of winning a big lottery prize. Unfortunately scammers are known to take advantage of this and will attempt to manipulate people by falsely claiming they have won an extravagant prize and asking them to send
payment in order to claim their prize,” said James Gudjonson with the Unity RCMP in an RCMP Press Release.
When receiving calls from any lottery organization that is claiming a person has won a prize, Gudjonson reminds people to remember three vital tips.
Lottery companies will never ask someone to pay money to claim their prize, he says.
“If you are being asked to send a cheque, money order, or payment of any kind to claim your lottery prize, it is a scam. Hang up the phone or delete the email.”
Anyone can call STARS to verify whether they have won or not, but Gudjonson warns to use the official STARS phone number or website and not the number given by scammers.
“In Saskatchewan you can call 1-855-449-2444, or email info@stars.ca to see if you have actually won a prize, you can also visit http://starslotterysaskatchewan.ca/ to check the list of official prize winners.”
And no matter who is asking for information, never give out personal information over the phone.
“Please hang up, record the number calling, then advise your local police department or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or visit their website at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/.”
