Regina police are warning the public about a series of scams involving fraudulent calls claiming to be from the STARS Lottery. The scams have been reported in the Regina area, with victims receiving unsolicited phone calls, often late at night, from unknown numbers. The callers falsely claim that the recipient has won a prize in the STARS Lottery and request personal information or payment to release the winnings.
How the Scam Works
According to police, the scammers use aggressive tactics to pressure victims into providing sensitive information such as bank details, credit card numbers, or social insurance numbers. In some cases, they demand upfront fees for taxes or processing costs. The STARS Lottery is a legitimate charity lottery in Saskatchewan, but these calls are not authorized by the organization.
Police Advice
Regina police urge residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming lottery wins. They advise never to provide personal or financial information over the phone to unknown callers. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or local police.
“Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, but the key is to remember that legitimate lotteries never ask for money upfront or pressure you to act quickly,” said a police spokesperson. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
Similar Scams on the Rise
This warning follows a trend of increasing lottery and prize scams across Canada. Authorities remind the public to verify any lottery claims by contacting the official organization directly. The STARS Lottery has also issued a statement confirming they do not make unsolicited calls or request payments for prizes.
Anyone who has fallen victim to this scam should contact their bank immediately and file a report with police. The Regina Police Service continues to investigate and urges vigilance to prevent further incidents.
