Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 97 Fraud Cent$ Toolkit for Seniors Helping Seniors Avoid Fraud PRIZE PITCH / RECOVERY PITCH FRAUD Prize Pitch: Consumers are told they have been specially selected to win a prize, or have been awarded “one of three” or ―two of five‖prizes; however, you must purchase a product and pay in advance to receive your prize. The prizes, which are generally cheap or overpriced, may sound valuable over the phone, or appear valuable by mail or email. These prizes usually include cash, a vehicle, coin collections, personalized pen sets, etc. Recovery Pitch: The recover pitch fraud is related to the prize pitch. If you bought into any of the prize pitch schemes, you are likely to be called again by someone promising to get your money back for you. Recovery Pitch Example 1 A caller claiming to be a law enforcement officer tells you that money has been seized and that their records indicate that you have lost money to the company or companies. They will help you recover the money you have lost for a small fee. Recovery Pitch Example 2 The caller may claim he/she has bought out a particular company that promised you prizes that were never sent to you. They are an honest company and they are eager to get those prizes out to youif you pay some related costs. What You Can Do About Prize or Recovery Pitch Fraud Know that in a legitimate contest, you do not have to purchase a product to qualify for a prize. Question what the con artist is telling you. If this was a mailed piece, destroy any information with your name and address on it and recycle the rest of the paper; if this came by email, delete the email. If this was a phone call, hang up the phone. Report the prize or recovery pitch fraud to PhoneBusters. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP.
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