Police are warning residents after a recent fraud in Lambton County left a victim out $13,000.
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police say the incident was reported on March 17th. A local resident told officers they had been contacted by someone claiming to represent a lottery commission.
Police say the victim was told they had won a vehicle, but needed to pay fees using Apple gift cards to claim the prize. The victim sent the money, but never received anything in return, and contact with the suspect stopped.
Officers are reminding the public to be careful when receiving unexpected calls or messages. Scammers often ask for personal information or request payment through unusual methods like gift cards.
Police say warning signs can include messages that create a sense of urgency, poor spelling or grammar, and requests for money or personal details.
Residents are being urged not to share personal or financial information, and to never send money or gift cards to someone they do not know.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud is asked to contact police and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
