Calgary

Phone scam targets STARS Lottery supporters, warns RCMP

Alberta RCMP are sounding the alarm about a new scam directed at supporters of the STARS Lottery.

Caller tells people they've won a prize, all they need to do is send money to claim it

Nanton RCMP are advising the public of a phone scam where the caller claims to be part of the STARS Lottery. (Submitted by STARS)

Alberta RCMP are sounding the alarm about a new scam directed at supporters of the STARS Lottery.

The Nanton detachment said it received complaints after a man purporting to be from the lottery — which supports air ambulance service in the province — told people they won a prize. 

The only catch: those winners had to send in money to claim their prize.

STARS Lottery said it would never ask for funds to claim prizes. 

If you receive a suspicious call, email or text, RCMP say not to provide any personal information and to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Anyone with information regarding the STARS scam is asked to contact their local RCMP detachment.