Lottery scam targeting victims across Canada for years leads to charges for Brampton man

A Brampton man has been charged after an investigation into an alleged lottery scam going back years that spanned multiple provinces.

Police say the scam involved a suspect in Brampton who contacted residents in Timmins, Thunder Bay, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, telling the victims they had won millions in a lottery.

The man then had the victims send funds to the scammer claiming the money would “pay the taxes for their winnings to be released,” police said.

Investigators say there were multiple victims and frauds going back to at least November 2020.

Peel Regional Police say several police agencies from multiple provinces worked together on the investigation and a 60-year-old man from Brampton was arrested following a search on Friday.

Clive Lothian, 60, of Brampton has been charged with:

• Fraud over $5,000 – four counts
• Possession of proceeds of crime – two counts
• Defraud the public

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on Oct.16.

Investigators believe that there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact Peel Regional Police by calling (905) 453–2121 ext. 3335. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

The incidents have police reminding the public that in many fraud-related cases, people in vulnerable situations can be coerced, manipulated, and taken advantage of for the profit.

Police urge anyone with a vulnerable or senior family member or friend to check out fraud prevention tips from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by visiting www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.