Elder Abuse

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LOTTERY FRAUD

Out of the blue, I got a phone call saying I'd won a $100,000 prize! All I had to do was send a cheque to cover the handling fees and the company would send me my prize. Now my cheque has been cashed, and the company has disappeared.

Lottery scams can take many forms: telephone, mail or Internet. You could be told that you have won a big prize or a free trip. Ask questions. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Tips:

• Watch out for a contest you don't remember entering.
• Be suspicious when someone asks you for personal information, such as your social insurance number or credit card number, before collecting your prize.
• Beware of prizes that require you to pay the taxes or other fees.
• Get more information on the company or charity. Don't use telephone numbers or Internet sites that the company gives you. Look up the information yourself.
• Report suspected fraud or scams to the police.

Fraud is a crime. It could happen to anyone. Stay informed.

Quiz:

The following true or false questions may help you learn more about lottery fraud.

1. Buying a product increases your chances of winning a prize.
2. It is normal for a telemarketer to ask you to send a fee up front before they will send you a prize.
3. Contest entry forms at fairs and malls may be used by con artists to get your personal information.
4. Canadian lotteries must have a registration number.

1. (F)
2. (F)
3. (T)
4. (T)

Elder Fraud: It's time to face the reality.

* In Canada the two credit-reporting agencies are Equifax and TransUnion.

For more information:

www.seniors.gc.ca
1-800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)
TTY: 1-800-926-9105

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada — 2009-06-08
Cat. No.: J2-353/4-2009      
ISBN: 978-0-662-06879-2