The Regina Police Service is warning residents about a phone scam where fraudsters pretend to be employees of the STARS Air Ambulance lottery and trick people into paying fees for prizes they never won. Several reports have come in over recent weeks from victims who say they were told they had won cash or a new vehicle, only to be directed to buy gift cards or share banking information.
Police explained the scammers ask for a small fee before the prize can be released. Victims are told to purchase gift cards at local businesses or provide personal banking details over the phone. Once the money is sent, the scammers disappear and the promised prize never arrives.
The Regina Police Service issued a public reminder on June 4, 2026, that no legitimate lottery ever requires payment to claim a prize. STARS Air Ambulance has the same message on its website: “Protect yourself from lottery prize scam calls! You will never be asked to send money to claim a charity lottery prize.”
According to multiple police warnings, the scammers have been telling people they won anywhere from $30,000 to $350,000 in cash, or a new vehicle. The scam has been reported in communities across Saskatchewan since at least 2024 and tends to resurface around STARS fundraising events.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call is asked to hang up immediately and not provide any personal or financial information. Suspected fraud can be reported to the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500 or to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
