(TOWNSHIP OF PERTH EAST, ON) The Perth County OPP was contacted by a Township of Perth East resident who reported having fallen victim to a telephone scam.
The resident explained that it started with a telephone call almost two weeks ago advising him that he had won a large sum of money from the Las Vegas International Sweepstakes. He was asked if he had received a large envelope in the mail and why he had not opened it. To claim his prize he was required to send across the border. Prior to having the package mailed to him he was required to send $275 through a local money transfer company. Many more calls were received and many transactions were made by the victim. A total of $9.600.00 was sent to various persons in Colorado Springs and Jamaica. The victim also provided his bank account information over the phone to supposedly allow the funds to be deposited into the account.
The victim finally realized that he had been scammed and contacted the police realizing that it would be next to impossible to recover his money.
The victim wanted other persons to be aware that the callers who had Caribbean accents were very manipulative and engaging in conversation. They made their offers sound too good to pass up. He also admitted that his personal banking officer advised him not to send the money and the supervisor at the money transfer company told him that this was most likely a scam.
The Twp. of Perth East victim failed to adhere to the advice about telemarketing fraud:
– Never send money to someone who insists on immediate payment.
– Hang up if you are asked to pay any kind of a fee for a prize or to claim lottery winnings.
– Never share personal information about your bank account and credit cards unless you know the person or company you are dealing with.
– Beware of high pressure sale tactics.
– Avoid harassment by telling callers you do not want to hear from them again.
– Always speak with a financial advisor or someone you trust in financial matters before responding to a telemarketing call about investment opportunities or financial services such as insurance.