Lottery scam targets Hamilton seniors, police say

Police are warning seniors to beware of a scam that makes them think they’ve won cash and a car in a lottery.

Hamilton Police have seen an increase in calls to seniors telling them they’ve won a lottery, police say. The caller asks the senior to send money to claim the prize.

Some seniors have had “significant financial losses as a result,” police say.

Police have the following advice:

• Don’t send any money.
• Don’t give out your credit card or banking information.
• Don’t cash cheques supplied by the caller.
• Consult with a trusted family member about the call.

Unsolicited calls telling you that you’ve won a lottery are fake, police say. When you do win something, there are never upfront fees to get the prize.

Fraudsters are notorious for asking that money be sent through MoneyGram or Western Union, police said. But “it’s like sending cash. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

If you know someone who’s been the victim of fraud, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit antifraudcentre.ca.