The RCMP is advising of a scam involving Reader’s Digest prizes.
The advisory comes after the Strathcona County RCMP received a report of a scam involving the magazine.
Officials explained that as part of the scam, potential victims are contacted by phone, email, text message, or through social media, and are told that they have won a substantial cash prize or other reward. Before that prize can be claimed, the victim is asked to pay different fees, including insurance costs, taxes, processing fees and delivery charges.
The RCMP said these claims are fraudulent, and legitimate prize organizations do not require winners to pay money up front to receive their winnings.
Additionally, Mounties said that scammers are more often using artificial intelligence, or AI, to make their schemes seem legitimate.
Victims have reported getting realistic AI-generated videos that appear to show well-known public figures congratulating them on their win. Officials said these videos are fake and are intended to convince victims that the prize is genuine.
The RCMP has issued the following safety tips:
- Never pay taxes, insurance, processing fees, or shipping costs to claim a prize.
- Be skeptical of unexpected phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media messages claiming you have won a prize.
- Be aware that AI-generated videos and voices can convincingly imitate public figures and celebrities.
- Never provide banking, credit card or gift card information, cryptocurrency, or personal identification to someone who claims you have won a prize.
Anyone who believes they might have been victimized is asked to contact the RCMP or Crime Stoppers online, by phone at 1-800-222-8477 or by using the ‘P3 Tips’ mobile app.
Instances of fraud can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
