ASHTABULA - - If you've won a lottery in Canada, beware.
Ashtabula Police Capt. Gerald Cornelius said these award notifications are scams.
While scams come in many varieties, usually they promise a large amount of prize money and include a "check" for several thousand dollars. Scam artists contact people through the mail, over the telephone or via e-mail.
"All are based on greed," Cornelius said.
Charles Reed of Ashtabula this week received a "check" for $4,200, from All States Lotto Inc. in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
"I immediately knew this is a scam, but if people don't know - - people who are desperate for money - - they're in big trouble," he said. "They're targets."
Cornelius and other members of the city police force had to admit the "check" from All States Lotto appeared authentic, but it was not.
"It's a plain old scam," Cornelius said.
If Reed called for information about the prize, the prize official most likely would have instructed him to deposit the check and send a personal check to the "lottery" to pay taxes or fees as part of his winnings, Cornelius said.
The $4,200 "check" would have bounced, he said.
Once a person sends money to the alleged lottery official, all contact ends.
According to police, residents should be suspicious of any "lottery" letter or message that tells you that you have won money and asks you to send money.
"You never need to pay people to get winnings," Cornelius said.
To report a fraudulent lottery scam, call the Federal Trade Commission Office in Washington, D.C. (1-877-382-4357).
Local News
Ashtabula police warn of lottery scam
- Local News
-
-
New film showcases county’s scenic rivers
Ohio’s Scenic Rivers program, which protects stretches of 14 waterways — including three in Ashtabula County — is the focus of a new movie by a Dayton-based independent filmmaker.
-
Red Cross holding breakfast for ‘Community Heroes’
The Red Cross Community Heroes Breakfast will honor 12 county residents March 3 at the Bernard Vacca Community Center.
-
County’s 2-1-1 even helps birds get home
Even the birds depend upon Ashtabula County 2-1-1 when they get into a bind.
-
Need for jobs tops county survey
Unemployment tops the list of community needs identified in a survey conducted late last year by the Ashtabula County Community Action Agency.
-
Students can donate clothing to Goodwill
Many Ashtabula Area City Schools students will find themselves cleaning out their closets this week.
-
5 homeless
Five people were left homeless Monday afternoon as fire ripped through a two story home at 1861 Footville Richmond Road.
-
2 meth labs in 1 home
Acting on a tip, police found two working methamphetamine labs under one roof in an early Sunday morning raid at a Main Street house, said Police Chief Charles Burlingham.
-
More money woes for the Lake County sheriff
The Lake County Sheriff’s Officecut another five cars from its road patrol division last week.
-
Scamming for puppies
Pat Payment doesn’t have any puppies.
-
Consultants to assess contaminated land
A consulting firm hired by the city to assess unused commercial and industrial land is fairly confident a study of the contaminated Astatic property can be properly completed, City Council learned at Monday’s work session.
- More Local News Headlines
-
New film showcases county’s scenic rivers
