The provincial government is hoping to locate victims of an international scam involving a fake sweepstakes after companies linked to the fraud forfeited just over $101,000 to the Civil Forfeiture Office (CFO).
In August 2016 the Port Moody Police referred a file to the CFO involving a criminal organization with international ties targeting U.S. citizens in a lottery-sweepstakes scam. Details on how the scam was linked to Port Moody were not available before The Tri-City News' deadline.
Callers using fake names contacted "winners" of a purported US $1.5-million prize and urged them to wire tens of thousands of dollars to cover taxes due before they could claim their winnings.
At least five victims in the U.S. have filed police reports in connection with the scam though no suspects have been identified.
The CFO tracked down bank accounts linked to the scam in the names of CNM Communications Inc. and Easy Padala Inc. and has contacted known victims to provide them with compensation applications.
Now the CFO is asking any other potential victims to come forward. The amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount recovered and will depend on the number and value of valid claims received.
Application details are available on the provincial government's website at www2.gov.bc.ca and searching for Civil Forfeiture Office.
