A husband and wife from Courtice are facing a number of charges after they targeted elderly victims in a lottery fraud scheme.
Durham police say the couple called victims, telling them that they’d won cash and a vehicle in the Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes.
The victims were told to send money to the couple before the winnings could be released. At this point, 11 victims across Canada have been identified.
Officers began investigating in the winter of 2020 and searched a home in Courtice last week.
They say the couple has been actively participating in the scheme since early 2018. Investigators want to make sure there are no other victims.
In Canada, it is illegal for a lottery organization to charge a fee before the prize can be claimed. Generally, you must be a resident of the province to which the lottery is registered in order to claim winnings.
John Perk, 78, and Pharolyn Perk 75, both of Courtice are charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offense, participation/contributing to a criminal organization, fraud over $5000, and possession of proceeds of crime. John Perk is additionally charged with fraud over $5,000 and uttering forged document.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5356 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
