Scammer Claims Locked Briefcase Full Of Money Has Explosive Inside – OPP Detachment Closed For Several Hours

(PETERBOROUGH COUNTY, ON) – Members of the Peterborough County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) spoke with a male about an ongoing scam yesterday shortly after 11:30am.

The male victim explained that he received a call about winning a lottery in the United States. Fraudsters told the victim that he won 2.5 million dollars and that he had to pay $5000 tax to receive his windfall. The victim received a locked briefcase and was told that it contained a portion of his winnings. To access the funds he had to first send the tax money and he would be given the code. It was further explained in a corresponding letter that the briefcase contained an explosive device and efforts to open the package without the proper code would cause it to explode. The victim brought the items, including the briefcase, to the Peterborough County OPP detachment.

After receiving information that the victim brought the briefcase with him in his vehicle, police closed the detachment to the public and contacted members of Central Region Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU). Members of the Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU) were assisted by TRU in rendering the package safe. There were no explosives in the package.

Police wish to remind members of the public that live military explosives (bombs, shells, grenades, land mines, mortar shells) or suspected explosive devices pose a risk of detonation and can be highly unstable. If you find military ordnance or explosive devices:

Do not touch, move or transport the item

Record any numbers that might appear on the device (this will assist with identification of the item)

Be prepared to describe its shape and size

Call your local police agency for proper disposal

The OPP and the Canadian Armed Forces have trained experts who will attend the location of the explosive device and can decide the safest method for its removal and disposal.

The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.

Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: www.stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

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