Multiple complaints of STARS lottery scam

Cst. C Tourand from the Viking RCMP Detachment recently warned residents there of a popular scam making the rounds. “Over the last while, the Viking RCMP Detachment has seen an increase in a reported phone lottery scam.

“The calls people are receiving have been people claiming to be with STARS air ambulance.

“People are being told they have won cash prizes, or vehicles. Scammers are then asking for a cash deposit to claim their prize.”

RCMP are reminding people that you will never be asked to send money in order to claim a lottery prize. Police ask that if you get one of these calls to hang up the phone and ignore any other correspondence with these people.

Even STARS put out warnings to those purchasing tickets on this year’s contest, saying, “Will STARS Lottery or LUCKY STARS 50/50 contact prize winners to request payment of any kind to cover taxes, shipping, etc.?

“NO, you are not required to pay for shipping or pay to claim a prize. If you do receive a call and are asked to pay, please do the following:

“Document as much information as possible regarding the call, then call the Government of Canada Anti-Fraud Centre.”

If you receive a call like this, or any other phone scam where callers claim you’ve won a prize, please do not provide any of your personal details. Report these calls to your local RCMP Detachment, or to the Canadian anti-fraud centre at 1-888-495-8501.

Cst. Tourand says, “You can also check with STARS lottery directly to verify if you are a winner of one of their prizes.”

STARS has very strict draw deadlines, 2019 Lottery winners won’t be drawn until April 2019.