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OPP warn of Facebook scam after Norfolk County resident loses $100K

The social networking site Facebook login webpage is seen on a computer screen in Ottawa in this August 27, 2009 photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld.
The social networking site Facebook login webpage is seen on a computer screen in Ottawa in this August 27, 2009 photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

A Norfolk County resident is out $100,000 after falling victim to a scam on Facebook.

The victim contacted OPP on Monday and the investigation revealed that between April 3 and June 5, a resident received a notification that indicated they won a large lottery.

READ MORE: Top 10 scams of 2016 reveal Canadians lost more than $90M last year

The victim was requested to send money in order to release the winnings and ended up forwarding roughly $100,000.

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No prize ever arrived.

READ MORE: Does the CRA owe you money? Beware of this tax refund scam

OPP note that scammers are increasingly using Facebook to communicate with and target potential victims.

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Police are warning people to never send money up front on the promise of a prize, lottery or sweepstake win.

READ MORE: Facebook expands search to include public users posts

Specifically regarding Facebook, police say you should never accept a friend request, engage in a chat, or respond to a message from an unknown person. You’re also advised to change privacy settings to “friends,” which will only allow people you know and trust to access your profile page.

Suspicious messages can be reported to Facebook Security.

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