For Immediate Release - Mar 1, 2006

Contact:

Pam Russell DA Public Information 303-271-6905

Re: New Canadian Lottery Scams Hit Metro Area

    District Attorney Scott Storey warns that, "Fraudsters operating in Canada have improved their lottery scam.  Recently, they've begun sending letters telling recipients that they have won a lottery in a random drawing. These letters may include a serial number, lucky winning numbers, the amount won, and a special ´Claim Number'.  The letters appear very official." 

    "What makes these an improvement is that they now enclose a check with the letter, a very convincing-looking check. They tell unsuspecting victims that the money was deducted from the winnings, for payment of some sort of non-resident tax, international tariff, or some other ruse," warns Storey.

    The fraudsters further advise the recipient to go to their local bank, deposit this check for taxes, and then send to Canada a wire transfer, or Money Order to cover the taxes. Often, the check they ask you to send for the taxes is a larger amount than the amount of the taxes to be paid.

    Most banks will cash the check as it looks authentic. Then, when the check is sent for payment, the account and check turn out to be bogus. The individual who sent the "taxes" is defrauded of that amount. 

    These types of scams are virtually impossible to track, investigate or prosecute, with no way for victims to recoup their losses.

    The First Judicial District Attorney's Office has seen a sudden increase in these calls to our Fraud Hotline in just the past two weeks.  District Attorney Storey suggests that if you receive one of these letters, before you act, please call our Fraud Hotline, 303-271-6980 or contact your local District Attorney's Office.