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For Immediate Release |
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| Date | February 4, 2002 | |
| Contact | Det. Ron Wright | |
| Phone | (909) 320-8000 | |
Riverside, Ca- Canadian "boiler room" scam artists are again calling Inland Empire Area residents. These telemarketers usually target the elderly and convince them they have won a large cash prize. All that is needed to receive the prize, is to wire funds immediately to cover courier, taxes, and/or service fees to Canada. Once someone sends money, scammers will continue to "milk" the victims for additional money. Individual victims have lost as much as $50,000 or more to these scams.
A Riverside woman, who lost several thousands of dollars last year, received several calls last week and notified the Riverside Police Department. The Riverside Sheriff's Office has received calls in the Lake Elsinore Area.
Just remember, "If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!" If you have been a victim or more importantly are receiving calls or know of someone who is, a report should be immediately made to Project Phonebusters. This is a Canadian national task force to combat telemarketing fraud formed by the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The National Call Center can be reached:
Toll-free: 1-888-495-8501
Toll-free fax: 1-888-654-9426
E-mail: info@phonebusters.com
Website:
www.phonebusters.comMail: Box 686, North Bay, Ontario P1B8J8
