The North Bay Police Service wishes to alert the public of two letter scams that have recently been reported to police. There were no victims.
“Publishers Clearing House” Scam Letter
The first scam involves a letter that is addressed to the resident. It informs the recipient that he/she is the winner of a $600,000 US grand prize from Publishers Clearing House. The letter includes a fraudulent “sponsorship” cheque for over $9,000. The letter informs the reader that they must call a number to claim the cash prize. Do not fall victim to this scam! Police advise those who receive this letter to destroy the letter and do not respond. Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/fraud-escroquerie/prize-prix-eng.htm for more info on this scam.
Inheritance Scam Letter
The second scam involves a letter that is addressed to the resident claiming they may be entitled to millions of dollars in inheritance money because he/she shares the last name of a millionaire who recently passed away. Do not fall victim. Remember: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or online at: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
