The Regina Police Service is warning residents to be on alert after receiving reports of a lottery scam targeting people through video calls.
According to police, scammers are posing as representatives of the STARS Lottery and claiming to be connected with the Bank of Montreal. During the calls, victims are told they have won a prize but must first send between $300 and $500 before arrangements can be made to receive their winnings.
In some cases, when potential victims questioned the legitimacy of the claim because their names did not appear on the STARS Lottery winners list, the caller allegedly said their name would be added after payment was made.
Police stress that legitimate organizations do not require winners to pay a fee in order to claim a prize.
How to Protect Yourself
Regina Police recommend the following steps to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:
- Never send money to claim a prize or lottery winnings.
- Do not provide banking information, credit card numbers, passwords, or personal details during unsolicited phone or video calls.
- Be cautious of callers who create a sense of urgency or pressure you to act immediately.
- Verify claims independently by contacting the organization directly using official contact information found on its website.
- Be suspicious of requests for payment through e-transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
- Discuss potential scams with family members, especially seniors and vulnerable individuals who are frequently targeted by fraudsters.
- If something seems suspicious, hang up and investigate before taking any action.
What to Do if You Receive a Scam Call
If you receive a suspicious lottery call:
- End the call immediately.
- Do not send money or share personal information.
- Write down any details you can remember, including phone numbers, names used, and payment requests.
- Report the incident to police if you believe fraud has occurred or was attempted.
Police say awareness remains one of the strongest tools in preventing fraud and encourage residents to share information about the scam with friends, family, and community members.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by this scam or has become a victim of fraud is asked to contact the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500. In an emergency, call 911.