Resident Scammed Out Of $1,000

(MUNICIPALITY OF GREY HIGHLANDS, ON) – Grey County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding residents to beware of the “prize pitch” scam after a resident in the Municipality of Grey Highlands was scammed of $1,000.

On Saturday, August 1, 2015, the victim received a phone call from an unknown male stating he had won $500,000 and was instructed to send $1,000 for taxes owed on the prize money. The victim sent $1000.00 via Western Union to a Mr. Reel Benitez in Manila, Philippines.

A day and a half after the money was sent, the victim received another phone call from the scammer requesting another $2,000. The victim had attempted to obtain additional funds from two separate banks and was denied each time as the banks recognized that he was being scammed and advised him to contact police.

Grey County OPP wish to remind residents that the “prize pitch” is one of the most common scams. The prizes could include cash, vehicles, electronics and trips. The “winner” is asked to pay an advance fee for shipping and or taxes in order to claim the prize.

The thing to remember is, if you have to enter a contest in order to win and, should you be a winner in a legitimate contest, you won’t be asked to forward money or buy goods to claim your prize.

Anyone receiving a call, email or letter of this nature should contact police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at www.antifraudcentre.ca or toll free 1-888-495-8501.

FRAUD…..recognize it! Report it! Stop it!

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