CENTRAL HURON – Huron OPP is investigating after a Clinton woman lost more than $6,500 in a lottery scam.
Since Dec. 28, 2012, the victim sent six wire transfers to process what was promised by a male caller to be $3.5 million and a Mercedes Benz as second place in the MegaMillions lottery.
The phone call was followed up with an email congratulating her on the win, then in a second phone call she was told it would cost $1,200 to cover taxes and transfer fees, police say, in a press release issued today.
The scammer continued to try to take the victim’s money by calling her and claiming to be a Customs Official from New York. She was told her prize vehicle was at the border and it would cost $1,500 to deliver. By this point, the victim knew she had been scammed and did not respond.
Police say there are an increasing number of scam lottery emails advising people they have hit the jackpot.
They remind the public of a few things to keep in mind when being solicited:
- You cannot win without first buying a lottery ticket;
- Lottery corporations do not tell you to keep your winnings secret;
- Lottery corporations do not notify winners by email;
- Neverpay handling fees or service charges to collect a lottery or sweepstakes win;
- Be skeptical of sweepstakes scams and lottery wins that instruct you to wire money. Scammers generally use services like Western Union because it is very difficult to trace who received the money; and
- Neversend money to a stranger using a money transfer service.
Huron County OPP is asking residents to beware of unsolicited phone calls, letters, faxes or emails. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Hang up the phone, delete the emails and shred the letters or faxes. If you don’t respond, you don’t get scammed.
To learn more about common frauds and how to report a fraud you can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre.ca or 1-888-495-8501.
TOOLS STOLEN FROM SHED
MORRIS-TURNBERRY –Huron OPP officers are investigating a break, enter and theft from a shed located at a cottage property on Glenannon Road. This crime took place sometime between midnight on Jan. 13, 2013 and 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 15. The total value of the stolen goods is estimated at nearly $3,000. The stolen items include:
- Stihl Chainsaw, model 440 with a 20-inch bar;
- An 18-inch bar Dolmar Chainsaw;
- A Summit brand hunting tree stand;
- New in the box Mastercraft toolbox;
- John Deere wrench set; and
- A snowmobile helmet, size extra large, black with red and silver striping.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 524-8314.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
SUPERCYCLE MOUNTAIN BIKE STOLEN
GODERICH -Huron OPP officers are on the lookout for Supercycle 10-speed mountain bike stolen from an unlocked shed on Britannia Road East. The owner discovered the bicycle was missing on Jan. 14, 2013. The owner believes the bike was stolen sometime over the last few weeks. The bicycle is black with red graphics. The bike is equipped with a bell, a lock under the seat, and rear shocks. The bicycle is valued at approximately $200.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 524-8314.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
