Prince Edward County Family Loses Large Sum in Lottery Fraud Scheme

Date: September 09, 2023

Prince Edward County OPP are urging residents to remain vigilant after a local family suffered a significant financial loss due to a lottery scam reported last month.

Police say they received a complaint on August 21 from a victim who was falsely informed they had won a lottery prize. According to investigators, the scammer gained the victim’s trust and persuaded them to send money through multiple methods, ultimately resulting in a substantial monetary loss.

PEC OPP Acting Sergeant Aaron Miller explained that the suspect allegedly visited the victim’s residence to help facilitate the transactions and also sought assistance from local taxi services during the process. The OPP Crime Unit is actively investigating, and the case remains open.

How to Protect Yourself from Fraud

Police are reminding the public to take the following precautions:

• Don’t hesitate to say no

• Research before sending money

• Never share personal or financial information

• Ask for identification or credentials

• Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

Authorities note that scammers frequently target vulnerable individuals, including seniors. Residents are encouraged to share this information with friends and family who may be at higher risk.