Canadian Lottery / Advance Fee Scams
Criminals are always finding new ways to scam victims out of their savings. In the most recent version of a popular lottery scam, people are being asked to respond to an un-requested mailing or phone call telling them that they are the winners of a large, cash prize.
- Victims receive a phone call or letter from Canada congratulating them on winning the "big prize" in a National Lottery.
- One version of this scam mails a very real-looking counterfeit check to the “winner” along with a letter of instructions which lists a toll-free telephone number to call.
- They are told that before they can claim the prize, they must send money to pay for taxes and processing fees. Usually by wire transfer of funds. (NOTE: It is not possible to stop payment on, or recall a wire transfer once it has been sent)
- The caller is told that once the wire transfer has been sent, they may deposit the check in their account at any bank.
- The check is worthless and will be returned within 2 weeks – leaving the depositor with nothing in return for the “Fees” which they paid in advance.
- Victims of lottery scams have lost thousands of dollars as they continue to respond to phone calls and letters of this type which require advance payments to cover costs in order to receive their prize.
- The fact is, the prize does not exist and victims never receive any winnings.
- There are so many types of lottery scams which involve innocent people sending in money up front, that law enforcement cannot follow up on every call reported
- If you receive a telephone call from a direct marketer who promises instant lottery prizes, hang up!
No legitimate lotteries operate this way. People who approach you with stories like this are criminals. They simply want your money and credit card numbers. They will lie to you and sound convincing. The letters they send look and sound professional. The checks look real but are not good.
Do not fall victim to lottery scams. Protect yourself and your money. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
What is Phishing?
Identity theft over the Internet is on the rise and “Phishing” is one form of fraud that attempts to obtain personal information through the use of emails, websites, and popups. This type of fraud occurs when someone receives an email that is sent as though the email of a legitimate company. The email will request sensitive personal information by telling the user to either supply the information in a popup window or by clicking on a web link that sends the user to a counterfeit web site. Once the information is obtained the data may be unlawfully used against you to create transactions on your existing accounts.
How can I identify these fraudulent emails?
Keep in mind that Community Bank and Trust will not send emails asking for customer information. Any such emails should be reported to Bobbie.Kocurek@cbtcc.com immediately as a fraudulent email.
Fraudulent emails will ask you for your confidential information. These emails will appear as though your account information has expired and will ask you to update your account with current information as soon as possible. Some examples of this information may include user names, passwords, account numbers, credit card numbers, addresses, social security numbers, and phone numbers.
Fraudulent emails may appear to be from a genuine source. Many “Phishing” emails are constructed as though the email appears to be from a legitimate email address. The email may contain actual company logos and be very professionally worded. The sender of the email can also easily manipulate the address of the email to make it look as though it is from a trusted source.
Fraudulent emails will also link to bogus Web sites. Once a web link is clicked in the counterfeit email a phony website may be displayed that appears to be official. The website will then proceed to prompt you for your confidential information.
Fraudulent email may also contain bogus phone numbers. Fake Phone numbers may be used to make the email or website appear as though it is legitimate. The email or website could also contain actual phone numbers of the company. The thought is that if the email contains a company phone number then the email must be legitimate. Look up the phone number in a phone book and call to verify the email.
What should I do if I find one of these emails?
Do not click on any of the links in the email. If you find an email that you believe to be fraudulent either call our Operations department at (615)792-3119 or email Bobbie.Kocurek@cbtcc.com to report it.
