WINDSOR, ON, Jan. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - The Windsor Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) - Serious and Organized Crime section is issuing a warning to the public with respect to an ongoing "Letter Scam". This fraud has been prevalent in the Windsor area for a number of years however the RCMP has received a recent influx of complaints in the past several months.
The fraudulent letters state that a distant relative has recently passed away leaving a sizeable estate that remains unclaimed and no other relatives can be identified. The deceased identified in the letter possesses the same last name as the addressee. If contacted; the fraudster will solicit funds from the addressee in order to secure the release of the estate. The "estate" is never released and the addressee is duped out of their monies. These letters originate overseas. A large number of the letters have indicated a return address in Spain.
"These type of frauds prey on people's emotions. People become victims because the fraudsters create a sense of urgency for significant financial gain", stated Insp. Serge COTE - Officer in Charge of the Windsor Detachment. "We would like to remind the public that the settlement of a legitimate estate should never require the advancement of monies to secure it."
The Windsor RCMP is issuing this media advisory to warn the general public of this illegal activity. If you have received a similar letter or know of someone who has, please contact your local police, the Windsor RCMP at 519-967-4353 ext: 255 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Media Contact:
Sgt. Peter Koersvelt
Windsor RCMP
519-995-8372
Website: RCMP in Ontario
Twitter: @RCMPONT
Facebook: RCMP.Ontario
YouTube: RCMPGRCPOLICE
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