Canadian couple scammed out of $1.2 million after thinking they won the US lottery

A couple from Ontario was scammed of $1.2 million after believing they had won the lottery in the United States.

An elderly couple who was misled into believing they had won millions in a lottery in the United States has lost $1.2 million. They went to a family friend for a $130,000 loan after losing their life savings. That friend was the one who called the police.

According to a news release from Durham police on Wednesday, The couple from Uxbridge, Ont., lost $1.2 million in the fraud. 

After losing their life savings, the couple went to a family friend for a $130,000 loan, according to police.

Police said the elderly couple understood they had been scammed after a friend informed them of the situation.

Durham police did not provide any other details regarding the incident, but they did decline to talk in order to protect the couple's identities.

Residents should be aware that most lotteries need the winner to be a resident of the province, state, or nation in order to receive the prize.

It is against law in Canada to charge a fee or tax on winnings. If you win $1,000, for example, you have won $1,000. There are no service charges, insurance charges, or clearance charges.

Anyone who is unsure about the validity of a claim should call the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, according to police.

"Remember, if something seems to be too good to be true, it usually is," police advised.

Useful Information: 

1. Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

Address: 90 Sheppard Avenue East Suite 200-300, Toronto.

 Phone:  416-326-8700

2. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Phone: Toll-free: 1-888-495-8501. They answer calls Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4:45 pm(Eastern Time), and close on holidays.

3. Durham Police

For more information on current frauds: https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/crime-prevention/fraud-and-financial-crimes/