Richmond RCMP is investigating after a local resident was scammed out of $4,500, believing she'd won the lottery.
In May of this year the victim received a phone call advising her that she had won the lottery worth $150,000. But to claim her money, she would first have to send $4,500 to China.
The victim initially did not believe the caller and, didn't send any money.
The calls continued and during one of these calls the voice on the other end of the phone provided the victim with a website. She visited the site and discovered a related phone number.
"The victim called the phone number and spoke to a female who informed the victim that the lottery was legitimate," said Richmond RCMP's Cpl. Sherrdean Turley.
"The victim still didn't believe that she had won the lottery and consequently did not send any money."
But the calls to the victim continued, which prompted her to call the number from the website again.
For the second time, she was told the lottery was legitimate and, as a result, decided to wire $4,500 to China, supposedly to a lawyer.
As soon as the money was sent, the calls stopped.
She phoned the number from the website again, but it was disconnected.
The woman's experience is not unique, according to Turley, and is often referred to as the "lottery scam."
Another version of the scam occurs when someone claims to be a lawyer responsible for distributing funds.
However, the funds can't be handed over until a processing fee or legal fee is paid.
"It's important for people to remember that you can't win the lottery without buying a ticket," Turley added.
"Legitimate lotteries do not contact winners and you never have to send money to redeem your prize, even if you're told it's an emergency.
"Don't let the repetitive calls pressure you into giving in."
Some red flags to be aware of are as follows:
? Unsolicited calls asking if you would like to be in a "lottery pool."
? You receive mail notifying you that you've won a substantial amount of money.
? Requests for you to send cash to redeem your prize. ? Being told that you must keep your winnings a secret to avoid tax consequences.
For more information on scams, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www. antifraudcentre.ca.
Richmond RCMP is requesting that anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this scam to contact their local police.
For Richmond RCMP, call 604-278-1212.
