Fraudulent STARS lottery calls reported in Turner Valley

RCMP Alberta - RCMP are warning residents to be cautious of telephone fraud scams. More recently the STARS lottery. This scam involves one or several persons who contact individuals by phone claiming to be from STARS Lottery advising their number was randomly selected as a winner of $750,000.00 and a new vehicle. However, in order to collect the prize the victim is required to pay various fees in advance. Victims either never hear back again or receive further requests for money. If you receive a call relating to this phone scam, please contact your local RCMP detachment.

Tips:

· Keep track of contests, draws and lotteries you enter

· Challenge a caller who says you've won a prize to tell you where and when you entered

· Check out the charity's financial information. For many organizations, this information can be found online

· Ask for identification. If the solicitor refuses to tell you or does not have some form of verifiable identification, hang up and report it to law enforcement officials

· Call the charity. Find out if the organization is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name. If not, you may be dealing with a scam artist

· Refuse high pressure appeals. Legitimate fund-raisers won't push you to give on the spot

· Be wary of charities offering to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect your donation immediately

· Be wary of guaranteed sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution. According to law, you never have to donate anything to be eligible to win

The best protection from phone scams is to learn how to protect yourself from fraud. Please visit the Anti-fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca

To file a police complaint regarding this phone scam or any other fraudulent phone calls, please contact your local RCMP office. You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501to file a report.