THE BIG PRIZE SCAM - Don't fall for it!

A caller says you won a big lottery prize but you must send money before you can collect. It’s fraud and you will lose your money! Hang up and call PhoneBusters. 1-888-495-8501

Legitimate lottery and sweepstakes administrators never charge fees to deliver your prize. This is one of the most common scams – if you send money you will never get it back.

The right information can help you avoid fraud. When a caller asks you to send money in order to claim a big prize, it’s fraud! You’ll lose your money. When a caller asks for your social insurance or driver’s licence number, don’t provide it! You could lose your money and your identity.

Recovery Pitch - The big prize scam part 2

If you buy into any of the Prize Pitch schemes, you are likely to be called again by someone promising to get your money back for you. Be careful not to lose more money to this common practice.

Here are two examples of the stories you may be given over the phone:

A caller claiming to be a law enforcement officer tells you that money has been seized, and that their records indicate that you have lost money to the company or companies. They will help you recover the money you have lost for a small fee. DO NOT BELIEVE THEM. If money is seized, you will be advised by a police agency but they will never request money in advance for any reason.

The caller may claim that they have bought out a particular company that promised you prizes that were never sent to you. They are an honest company, and they are eager to get those prizes right out to you if you can pay some related costs. DO NOT BELIEVE THEM! HANG UP AND CALL PHONEBUSTERS!