Sweepstakes Scam Busted!

Police have arrested two Canadian residents believed to be responsible for thousands of sweepstakes scam letters sent primarily to Americans. The letters told victims that they had won thousands of dollars, and included a check to cover taxes and service fees. The victims were then instructed to wire that money to the con artists before they could receive the full payment. The checks were fraudulent, but by the time the banks realized it, many victims had already sent the money. The victims would not only lose the money they wired, but could also be held responsible for cashing a fraudulent check by the bank.

The two scammers have each face charges of forgery, seven counts of fraud, and using the mail to commit a crime.

Sweepers are always particularly vulnerable to scams such as this one, since they have reason to hope that they might win large prizes. Make sure that you protect yourself by learning to recognize the signs of a sweepstakes fraud and how to report a scam to the proper authorities.

• TheStar.com - News - Pickering lottery scam busted