CANADIAN LOTTERY SCAM
The Wakefield Police have received reports that some Massachusetts citizens have recently been receiving telephone calls claiming that they have won the lottery in Canada. The caller states that this type of Canadian lottery is similar to the US Publisher's Clearinghouse. This is also occurring in San Antonio, Texas, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Connecticut. These calls are attempts to defraud the called party out of money and should be avoided.
This is how it the scam works:
You receive a call from a person stating they are from the Internal Revenue Service or Department of Homeland Security, Buffalo, New York office. Some of the callers say they are Officer Hunter or Peter Ford.
The caller says that you must first pay the taxes on your winnings, and it must be paid in cash via Western Union or by check.
If the party pays this money as requested he/she will receive NO lottery winnings.
The telephone numbers have been traced to the Toronto, Canada area.
The IRS is currently investigating this scam. The IRS noted that they would never call in this manner, but instead would send any information via certified mail.
If you have received any of these types of calls or have any questions, please contact the Wakefield Police Department at 781-245-1212.
Officer Michael J. O'Connell
Wakefield Police Department
1 Union St.
Wakefield Mass. 01880
(781) 246-6358x250
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