Security Alerts – Lottery Scams

 

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Beware of promises of lottery winnings through unsolicited e-mails, letters or by telephone. These winnings do not actually exist and you will never receive the promised award. These promises are made to steal your money and/or your identity.

“New scams are being invented daily. Scam artists are up-to-date and well-organized. They use the latest trends and sophisticated techniques; they have limitless imagination.” Competition Bureau of Canada

Emails:
According to consumer protection agencies, tens of thousands of unsolicited emails are sent to Canadians every day promising to pay out large amounts of lottery winnings. If you receive an email that you suspect is fraudulent delete it without opening it. Opening the email may activate a computer program that can then send personal/financial information from your computer to the individuals trying to defraud you.

Sample Prize Claim E-Mail

Letters:
If you receive a letter claiming that you have won a prize in a lottery you know you never entered, do not respond in any way, even to seek further information. Any response at all from you will likely initiate persistent and repeated attempts to defraud you.

Do not deposit any cheque or money order you have received.  They often appear legitimate, even to your bank who may accept it for deposit, but the cheque is counterfeit or stolen and you will be responsible for replacing any money you have spent when the cheque is eventually returned to your bank.

Sample Prize Claim Mail-out

Telephone:
If an individual is trying to solicit money or personal/financial information from you to in order to claim a prize, hang up. Legitimate lottery operators never charge you to deliver a prize.

Remember:

Don't send money or cheques for administration or handling fees or taxes.
Don't give bank account or credit card information, even if they claim to need this information to credit your account with your winnings.
Don't respond to the lottery offer in any way. Your name might be added to contact lists that are used by fraudulent marketers.

Report suspected lottery fraud to local police or Phonebusters at 1-888-495-8501, or through www.phonebusters.com, or to the MGCC at 954-9413 or toll free at 1-800-782-0363 or by email at complaints@mgcc.mb.ca.

Links to more information:

Phonebusters
Competition Bureau of Canada
FraudWatch International