Strathcona RCMP are alerting residents to a scam known as Publishers Clearing House, after a local resident lost $4,000 to fraudsters.
The scam involves scammers contacting individuals unexpectedly via phone calls, emails, letters, text messages, and social media messages, falsely claiming that the recipient has won a substantial cash prize or luxury item. The scammers then request payment for various supposed fees such as taxes, registration, delivery costs, or other fictitious charges. They often apply pressure on the targeted individuals to send money promptly.
To protect against falling victim to these scams, authorities advise the public to exercise caution regarding unsolicited messages claiming prize winnings, refrain from disclosing personal or financial information to unknown parties, and verify the authenticity of any prize notifications through official and reputable channels. Taking these precautions can help prevent financial losses and protect personal information from exploitation by scammers.
