Canada Public Broadcasting News has reported that Canadian gaming agencies and gambling regulation bodies are warning all Canadians and some U.S. citizens of a recent lottery scan that is primarily targeting those who reside south of the Canadian border.  The scam is being perpetrated in the guise of letters informing residents they have won a jackpot in the Manitoba lottery - even if the letter recipient had not played the lottery.

Several reports have already come in from the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission and the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation that multiple U.S. residents have received mailings from an unidentified source claiming to be one of the Canadian lottery agencies.  The mailings themselves not only state the recipient has won a large jackpot, but contains a check made out in the person's name in the amount of the alleged jackpot.  The letter then goes on to say that all the recipient need do is deposit in their banking account.

As good and promising as all this seems, the check bounces rather than clears.  In the midst of all the bank processing, the illegal agency is able to illegally acquire the recipients bank account information, which they then proceed to withdraw funds from.

At this point in time, all people who are on the receiving end of an unsolicited letter promising sums of money, are urged to contact the police or Canada's anti-fraud call center - PhoneBusters.  Unsolicited emails and phone calls are asked to be reported as well.  At no time should anyone give out their financial details or account information to any outside party without first checking with the proper authorities.