Drumheller RCMP are warning the public to be aware of fraud after a resident lost thousands of dollars to a telephone scammer.
Constable Lucas Stewart in a press release said the Drumheller woman was contacted and told she had won a large amount of money in a lottery, but needed to pay the taxes and legal fees to get the money released to her.
Any legal and real prize and lottery winnings in Canada do not require people to pay any sort of fee up front.
The victim paid out thousands of dollars to the thieves before being made aware she was being cheated out of her money.
Stewart said the Drumheller RCMP have also received complaints of many phone calls being made to residents that appear to be from local numbers, claiming that people have won a prize from WestJet or the Marriot Hotel.
They ask the potential victim to press 1 on the phone keypad to provide personal information to claim their prize.
The Constable notes these calls are computer generated and untraceable, even though a local number is registered on the caller ID.
RCMP ask that the public to help protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud, with reminders:
- Never send money or give credit card information or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.
- There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes - usually only the scammers make money
- Do not agree to offers or deals right away. Always get independent advice if an offer involves money, personal information, time or commitment.
RCMP ask anyone who notices a scam or attempt to defraud, or have been scammed, to get help. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or call the Drumheller RCMP Detachment 24-Hour Complaint line at 403-823-2630.
