Consumers warned about scams

Government Services Minister Dianne Whalen today warned of a number of illegal scams and foreign lotteries circulating in this province.

The Commercial and Consumer Affairs Branch has received numerous complaints in recent weeks about foreign sweepstakes. Individuals have received packages by mail and e-mail that indicate they have won money or a prize. Most require bank account information, or a processing fee to be paid up front.

Minister Whalen said people should be automatically suspicious if an opportunity arrives in the mail that seems to good to be true. It usually is.

"You shouldn�t have to pay out to win a prize � that�s rule number one. It�s illegal to charge money to collect a prize," Minister Whalen said. "Rule number two is never give out your bank account number. Money may change hands, but it won�t be to you."

Under federal law, participating in a foreign lottery is illegal, even if the lottery is legitimate.

Besides foreign lotteries, consumers should be aware of the potential to be victims of a multitude of scams. The RCMP is currently investigating a province-wide door-to-door vacuum-cleaner scam. Residents of four different areas of the province have reported being approached to trade their old vacuum cleaner and an amount of cash for a new one. Once the money is paid, the salesperson is not heard from again.

The Consumer and Commercial Affairs Branch advises people to contact the Trades Practices Division at (709) 729-2600 if they have any information about a possible scam.

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-4960 or (709) 690-6157

2004 03 02                                        11:50 a.m.