Lottery Scam

MNP has become aware of a lottery scam that implicates the good names and standing of the Pacific Lottery Corporation and Meyers Norris Penny LLP. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS IS A FRAUDULENT LOTTERY. This scam attempts to trick individuals into sending money, so they can claim the full prize sum once the taxes are paid. Neither company, the Pacific Lottery Corporation nor Meyers Norris Penny LLP, is involved in a “2008 Promotional Sweepstakes Lottery” - this is an entirely fictional lottery.

The version of the scam we are aware of, is being delivered by mail. Targets of the fraud receive a letter, addressed to them, advising that they have won a large sum of money. In this case, a cheque for $4,955 is included with the letter and the target is told that this sum has been deducted from their total winnings of $248,000. The target is then asked to cash the $4,955 in order to wire the perpetrators $3,975 to pay the taxes owing. A signature purporting to be that of Meyers Norris Penny LLP is used as the “authorized signature” on the cheque. The cheque and MNP's signature are both forgeries. This cheque will not be honoured by the bank whether it is deposited through the ATM or by a bank teller. DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY.

The version you receive may have different names and numbers, but the concept will be the same. The fraud artists will send funds to the target in the form of a cheque and request you send a portion of that amount back, as a condition upon receiving the rest of the money.

If you are a resident of Canada, have deposited the cheque and sent the money as requested, please call the RCMP's Phonebusters toll-free line directly at 1.888.495.8501 to obtain further instruction on how to proceed.

Please refer to the following sample:

Lottery Scam

< back