08/10/2004

Police issue fraud warning similar to ‘Canadian lottery’

Officers from the PSNI’s Fraud Squad are warning members of the public about a form of telephone fraud similar to recent ‘Canadian lottery’ fraud incidents.

In the newest form of the fraud, callers are contacted by person claiming to represent the Canadian tax authorities and asking that a sum of money be sent to cover a tax on winnings.

The recipients have been contacted a number of times by what appeared to be a number of different people who make a persistent and plausible attempts to have the money sent.

Police said they were calling on members of the public to use caution before sending money to unknown persons as a result of a telephone call.

Officers from the PSNI Fraud Squad have been liaising with colleagues in Canada regarding the matter.

(MB/GMCG)

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