Newport police warn of Canadian lottery scam

The Newport Beach Police Department is warning residents to be aware of lottery scams coming via telephone and mail.

Last month, two Newport Beach residents reported receiving a letter from a Canadian company telling them they had won the national lottery. Also enclosed was a check with a four-figure amount, which was said to be tax deductions from the six-figures they had won, according to police.

The residents were then instructed to deposit the check and wire the amount to a tax agent in Canada. One of the victims did as instructed and was later informed by her bank that the check was fraudulent. The other resident thought it might be a scam and reported it to the police.

Anyone who receives this or similar offers is asked to report it to the Police Department at (949) 633-3717. If you’re not sure about an offer you received, questions can be directed to the Federal Trade Commission at (877) 382-4357.