A draw text scam uses your name in Mississauga and Brampton

A new phone text scam that has been circulating in Mississauga and Brampton calls you out by name.

The lottery scam, which has been showing up on cellphones today (Oct. 3), knows your name and invites you to claim a prize.

The catch is it also tells you to send money.

“We have announced the results of the draw,” it tells you. “You have won a 200% bonus. Deposit $50 and play with $100.”

The text then provides a link to a website that wants more of your personal information.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, an agency of the federal government, this type of scam typically offers a large price in exchange for a small payment.

The scammers will tell you to send money through services such as Western Union or Money Gram, or request that you provide prepaid gift cards.

In this particular scam, no money will be deposited into your account for you to use in the lottery. Instead, the fraudsters will have access to your bank account.

Peel Regional Police say if you are victim of a crime you should go to your nearest police station to file a fraud report. Reports are not taken over the phone.

For any inquires about frauds/trends/scams, the Fraud Bureau of Peel Regional Police can be reached by calling 905-453-2121 ext. 3335.