OPP  OPP news release…
(BLIND RIVER, ON) – Once again the “Prize Scam” is circulating in the East Algoma area. You may receive a phone call, an e-mail, a text message, or see a pop-up screen on your computer saying that you have won a large prize or cash. Often there are costs involved with claiming your prize. Instead of receiving a grand prize or fortune, you could lose every cent that you send to a scammer. And, if you have provided other personal details, your identity information could be misused for other criminal means.
The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reminds consumers you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of the lottery prize scam.
” Legitimate lotteries do not require you to pay a fee or tax to collect winnings.
” Never send money to anybody you don’t know and trust.
” Don’t provide personal banking details to anyone that you do not know and trust.
” Examine all of the terms and conditions of any offer very carefully. Claims of free or very cheap offers often have hidden costs. Calls to premium rate phone numbers or premium text messages can be very expensive.
” Ask yourself, Did I willingly enter this contest? 
You cannot win money or a prize in a lottery unless you have entered it yourself, or someone else has entered it on your behalf. You cannot be chosen as a random winner if you haven’t actually entered.
Many lottery scams try to trick you into providing your banking and personal details or to send money to claim your prize. You should not have to pay any fee or tax to claim a legitimate prize.
FRAUD – Recognize it, Report it, Stop it.