Web posted on May 23, 2007

A public reminder to be wary of reports of winnings in which the victim is asked to pay a fee to collect the prize.

Recently the County of Wellington O.P.P. spoke with an elderly lady from Mount Forest who had deposited a cheque she had received in the mail, in the amount of $51,000.00. This cheque had been forged and funds invalid, so the bank contacted police.

The victim had answered a pop-up on the Internet and thought she had won a lottery. After answering some questions, she was told that to obtain her winnings she would have to wire funds to an address in England to cover taxes and banking fees. The fee was paid and the cheque was sent via the mail.

Police would like to remind the public to be cautious when asked to provide personal information on the Internet, and you will not be asked to send money if you win a prize.

Remember.... if a deal sounds too good to be true, likely it is.