Saskatchewan RCMP are warning the public after an increase in reports of fraudulent letters being delivered by mail to residents in communities across the province.
Police say the letters claim the recipient has won a “Set for Life” lottery prize, but the return address and phone number included are not linked to any legitimate lottery company.
According to RCMP, the letters typically arrive in a handwritten envelope addressed to the recipient. The sender claims to be the President of Operations for a “Set for Life” lottery organization and tells the recipient they have won a lump sum of money.
The letters also include instructions to call a phone number to collect the alleged prize.
What the letters include
RCMP say the fraudulent letters often contain:
- the recipient’s mailing address
- “Set for Life Lottery” letterhead
- a return address
- a subject line and file number
- a set of “winning” lottery numbers
- the lump sum of money allegedly won
- instructions to call a phone number to collect the prize
- a guarantee of “safety and security”
Police are reminding residents not to respond to the letter, call the number, or provide personal information over the phone.
How to protect yourself
Saskatchewan RCMP are encouraging the public to stay alert and protect themselves from fraudulent mail by:
- being cautious of unexpected mail claiming you have won a prize or owe urgent fees
- never sharing personal or financial information with unverified senders
- avoiding calling numbers or visiting websites listed in suspicious letters
RCMP say the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who receives a similar letter is asked to report it to their local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Saskatchewan RCMP can also be contacted by calling 310-RCMP.
Information can also be submitted anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online through SaskCrimeStoppers.
To report fraud or find more information, residents can also visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting portal.
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