Unity RCMP are reporting a “dramatic” increase in STARS Lottery scams over the holiday season.
According to police, calls were reported coming from scammers claiming to represent STARS Air Ambulance and telling people they had won new vehicles and cash prizes ranging between $30,000 to $175,000.
“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 the RCMP in a statement.
They urge people to remember the following scam prevention tips:
If you are being asked to send a cheque, money order, or payment to claim your lottery prize, it is a scam. Hang up or delete the email.
If in doubt, check with STARS directly to verify if you are a winner. You can check the official lottery winners list on their website or contact them to confirm if you have won a prize. Always use the official number and website, not ones a scammer provides.
Finally, police say that if you do receive a scam lottery call, do not under any circumstances provide personal details or send money. They urge you hang up, record the number calling, then call your local police department or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. They also urge you to visit their website at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/.
Anyone with information about these or other crimes are asked to call Unity RCMP at (306) 228-6300, the Wilkie RCMP at (306) 843-3480 or the Macklin RCMP at (306) 753-2171. If you prefer to remain anonymous call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers with your information at 1-800-222-8477, or *8477 on the SaskTel Mobility Network.
