Norfolk senior duped of $27,500 in New York state lottery scam

Police are warning the public after a Norfolk County senior lost $27,500 to a lottery scam this week.

OPP are asking residents to be cautious when receiving phone calls or emails from anyone claiming you won an international lottery or a new vehicle.

Hang up the phone. This is a scam," police said in a release.

OPP are investigating after a Norfolk County senior received emails and phone calls on March 16 around 4 p.m., telling them they won $785,000 in a New York state lottery. The resident was told that in order to claim the prize they would have to first pay tax.

A total of about $27,500 was sent to a fake address in New York by the victim, police say.

If you are in a jurisdiction that is outside the market area of the lottery or game mentioned as the source of the prize,' then it is a scam. Real lotteries do not hold international' sweepstakes, contests or awards for people who live outside their market area," police warned.

The best advice if you receive one of these calls is to just hang up, said OPP.

For more information on fraud, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com