Police warn of Canadian lottery scam

Thursday, September 20, 2007 posted 02:03 PM EDT

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO - If a letter in the mail says you've won the Canadian lottery, you probably shouldn't quit your day job - it's most likely a scam.

That's a warning that was issued Wednesday by South San Francisco police who say a recent mail scam has claimed victims within their enforcement area.

Victims typically receive a letter saying they've won the Canadian lottery in the amounts of $50,000 and $450,000. Included in the letter is a check ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, police said.

The letter instructs the winner to cash the check and then mail the lottery company a specified amount of money, between $1,500 and $3,100, to cover taxes.

If the money is sent, the letter states, the victims will receive their full lottery winnings.

Of course, the checks that were sent to victims were fraudulent and financial institutions refused them, police said.

Police are warning residents to reject these Canadian lottery letters by not sending money and not cashing the check.

The Canadian companies sending the letters include National Claim Center Financial, Inc. and Independent Financial Advisor. Both companies listed a Toronto, Ontario, address, police said.

Victims of this fraud should immediately contact their local law enforcement agency.

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