Police warn public about phone scam using STARS Lottery

Scammers are using the STARS air ambulance charity to swindle Saskatchewan residents in a new phone scam.

Saskatoon police issued a warning about the scam on the weekend, as did Moose Jaw police in September.

The lottery scam involves a call from someone pretending to be with STARS Lottery. The caller tells the intended victim they won a prize in the lottery, such as a new vehicle or cash.

Then the target is told they must send a payment to claim the prize. They might say the payment is to cover delivery of the new vehicle and ask for a money order or gift cards as payment.

The STARS Lottery said it will never ask for payment to cover delivery or other costs in order to claim a prize, according to the charity's website. The annual lottery raises funds for the STARS air ambulance service based in Saskatoon and Regina.

Police said if you get one of these calls, don't give out personal details and hang up immediately. Police also advise against clicking on any links sent by text or email.

This is the latest scam targeting Saskatchewan. In August, the City of Saskatoon warned residents about a phone scam in which people are threatened with unpaid utility bills.

In that scam, targets are told they'll have their power cut unless they send money to Saskatoon Light & Power for an unpaid bill. Several businesses reported getting these calls.

The City of Saskatoon never asks for credit card or bank account information by phone, text or email, the city said in a news release.