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Canadian Prize Scammer Extradited for Mailing Fake Notices
A Canadian national accused of operating a years-long scheme to mail fake prize notices to unsuspecting Americans has been extradited to the United States and charged with federal crimes.
Patrick Fraser, 44, of Alberta, Canada, is accused of conspiring with others to send fake prize notifications to hundreds of people, promising them large cash prizes in exchange for a small fee. The scam targeted elderly and vulnerable individuals, with many losing thousands of dollars.
Fraser was arrested in Canada on June 14, 2023, and extradited to the US this month. He made his initial appearance in Las Vegas federal court on June 18 and was ordered detained pending trial.
The indictment alleges that Fraser and his co-conspirators used a complex scheme to convince victims to pay a fee to claim their prize. The scheme involved using fake prize notices and fake websites to convince victims that they had been chosen to receive a large cash prize.
The charges against Fraser include conspiracy and mail fraud, with each count carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. If convicted, Fraser could face up to 180 years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the US Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch. The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is also involved in the case.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate praised the cooperation between the US and Canadian authorities in bringing Fraser to justice. “The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting and pursuing those who perpetrate fraud schemes targeting America’s seniors,” Shumate said.
U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah added, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with the Consumer Protection Branch and our law enforcement partners in the United States and the world to identify and pursue transnational criminals who prey on older Americans.”
Fraser is scheduled to appear in court again on [date] for a detention hearing. The case is ongoing, and further information will be released as it becomes available.
Residents who believe they have been a victim of this scheme or any other type of financial fraud are encouraged to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) for assistance.
Key Facts
- State: Nevada
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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