Police Warn Residents Of Telephone Scam

Police are warning residents to be on the alert for a telephone scam artist promising prizes.

The caller, who says he’s in Canada, tells victims they’ve won a prize. The catch: “Winners” can’t collect without giving up some money first.

Police have received a number of complaints from intended victims.

In one case, a 78-year-old Spokane woman went to the bank to withdraw a large amount of money. That made the teller suspicious enough to call police.

The woman reported receiving two calls from the “prize” man, who told her to secretly withdraw all her money. Police did not disclose how the man planned to obtain the cash, or what he offered the woman in return.

Legitimate contests never require winners to send money in order to receive the prize, police said.

Residents with information about the Spokane prize scam should call Sgt. Larry Evans at 625-4256.

, DataTimes