NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE. MARIE POLICE SERVICE
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The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to warn the public about a recent telephone scam. Unknown persons have been calling Sault Ste. Marie residents advising them that they have won a large prize from Publishers Clearing House.
The callers have then asked the potential victims to disclose their personal financial and banking information in order to receive the prize. So far, none of the complaints have disclosed this information to the scammers.
Sweepstakes scammers are experts at convincing you that you have won a prize and that you need to hand over your money to receive it. One of their tactics is to disguise themselves as legitimate companies that really do offer huge prizes.
Because people are familiar with the company that scammers are mimicking, they are more likely to (falsely) believe they have really won a prize.
Publishers Clearing House does not email or call its big winners. It is important for people to know that you never have to turn over your own money to receive a legitimate prize.
If you have any information regarding these crimes, or any other crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submit an e-tip from the Crime Stoppers' website or text keyword SSM with your tip to 274637.
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