STARS, Western Canada’s Air Ambulance provider, is warning the public about a recurring scam targeting its annual lottery ticket holders in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. Scammers call random numbers, ask if STARS tickets were received, and then demand gift card payments (e.g., for tow truck fees) to deliver a prize. Tiffany Flynn, VP of brand and revenue generation for STARS, states the scam damages trust and impacts the charity, which relies on the lottery for a third of its $12 million operating funds. Saskatoon police confirm this type of prize/lotto scam is common and difficult to trace once gift card codes are provided.
‘It’s concerning’: Scam targets STARS lottery ticket holders, again
Saskatoon
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️STARS, Western Canada’s Air Ambulance provider, is warning the public about a recurring scam targeting its annual lottery ticket holders in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. Scammers call random numbers, ask if STARS tickets were received, and then demand gift card payments (e.g., for tow truck fees) to deliver a prize. Tiffany Flynn, VP of brand and revenue generation for STARS, states the scam damages trust and impacts the charity, which relies on the lottery for a third of its $12 million operating funds. Saskatoon police confirm this type of prize/lotto scam is common and difficult to trace once gift card codes are provided.
- 1 Previous years: Scam cropped up during STARS campaigns.
- 2 Ongoing: Scammers call random numbers asking about STARS tickets.
- 3 Ongoing: Scammers ask for gift cards for prize delivery.
- Damage to STARS' reputation and customer trust
- Financial loss for victims
- Difficulty in tracing funds once gift card codes are provided
What: A scam targeting STARS lottery ticket holders is ongoing.
When: Ongoing; has cropped up during 'previous years’ campaigns' and 'every year usually' when lotteries take place.
Where: Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba (where STARS operates); calls often originate from outside Saskatchewan or Canada.
Why: To defraud individuals by impersonating STARS and requesting payment (via gift cards) for prize delivery.
How: Scammers call random numbers, ask if STARS tickets were received, and if confirmed, ask the victim to purchase a gift card to cover 'tow truck' fees for prize delivery.