Scam artists preying on gullibility

Winnipeg police are cautioning people to be vigilant when receiving e-mail promising large sums of money in exchange for a fee.

“You will not be the recipient of a prize or cash award if you have not entered any contest or draw,” said spokeswoman Const Jacqueline Chaput. “Legitimate winnings do not require you to pay money up front.”

Besides lottery scams, police say the Nigerian scam is alive and well and preying on Winnipeggers.

This scam involves letters sent either by e-mail or regular mail or fax, usually from Africa or Asia, and request the recipient to help in the transfer of large sums of money, Chaput said.

“The victims are led to believe they are the beneficiary of a large estate or are being offered an exclusive confidential business opportunity,” she said.

Anyone who responds to the request will receive letters or e-mail requesting them to pay money up front before receiving their money.

The funds are usually forwarded electronically by the victim and cannot be traced or retrieved once the fraud is discovered, Chaput said.

Information on Internet scams can be obtained at www.phonebusters.com.

Anyone receiving e-mail or letters of this nature should report them directly to Phonebusters, Chaput said.

“If you have suffered a loss as a result of these types of scams, it can be reported at any Winnipeg Police district station or community office,” she said.

Police are also warning Winnipeggers to be wary of unscrupulous individuals offering yard care or home renovation services.

“These individuals will generally request payment prior to the work being completed and fail to provide the agreed upon service,” Chaput said.

If the work isn’t done, the victims usually have no recourse because the phone numbers provided are false and victims have no means of finding them.

“If you are in doubt about services being offered, citizens should check with the Better Business Bureau regarding their status or simply decline their services,” Chaput said. “If you have been a victim of this type of crime, please contact the Winnipeg Police Service non-emergency line at 986-6222.”

Police also suggest that anyone coming into a large sum of money, such as an inheritance, lottery winnings or other form of settlement or payment, should be especially vigilant when approached by unknown or suspicious persons.