Investigators in the Financial Crime Unit of the Integrated Criminal Investigative Division are warning citizens about a recent sweepstakes telephone scam.

Police have received ten reports from people who have been contacted by someone claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House who is calling to advise them that they have won a large sum of money in a recent sweepstakes. The caller asks for banking information so that they can deposit the money directly into the prize winner’s bank account. At this time, police are aware of one person who has been defrauded of thousands of dollars by this scam.

These calls are not legitimate, if you receive a call, hang-up. Investigators remind citizens to be suspicious of anyone asking for financial information over the phone. Refrain from providing personal information, whether the solicitation occurs by telephone, email or in person, unless you have initiated the contact or you are certain of the identification of the person and the legitimacy of the organization they claim to represent. Providing personal information such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and date of birth could lead to identity theft.

If you’ve lost money or provided personal information as a result of this scam, please report the matter to police by calling 902-490-5016.  There is no need to call police to report that you’ve been contacted in relation to this scam if you’re not a victim.

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Source: Media Release