Toronto woman charged in lottery scam targeting seniors in Manitoba

[Hannman]

A Toronto woman is facing charges in what Peel Regional Police allege was an advanced fee lottery scam that took place over a six-month period beginning in August of 2022. Police say the victims, who were seniors residing in Manitoba and Alberta, were led to believe that they had won a lottery prize and had to pay a fee in order to claim their winnings.
Investigators say a criminal investigation concluded a suspect allegedly received more than $50,000 from multiple victims. The victims were instructed to send funds via bank transfers as well as cash and gift cards via postal service to residential addresses in Mississauga. The 27-year-old woman is charged with two counts of possession of property obtained by crime and one count of defraud the public over $5000. She is due back in court in Brampton on July 31.

 

[CR7]

It is very concerning to hear about this lottery scam that targeted seniors in Manitoba and Alberta. It is unfortunate that some individuals prey on vulnerable people and try to take advantage of their trust. This scam is a perfect example of how criminals use advanced fee tactics to lure unsuspecting victims into sending them large sums of money under the guise of lottery winnings. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these scams as they often have limited knowledge of technology and financial matters.

It is commendable that the Peel Regional Police took swift action and investigated this matter thoroughly. The fact that the investigation led to charges being laid against the alleged perpetrator is a good sign that justice will be served for the victims. It is important for law enforcement agencies to continue to work together to clamp down on fraudulent activities and protect the public from falling prey to scams like this.

It is also crucial that seniors and their families remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect themselves from financial scams. This can include educating themselves about common scams, keeping personal information private, using caution when giving out personal details over the phone or internet, and always verifying the legitimacy of any offers or prizes before sending money or personal information.