HALO advises people to be alert to a scam attempt tied to its lottery. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Brian Konrad

Scammers trying to ride HALO’s fundraising coattails

May 12, 2022 | 2:14 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — HALO Air Ambulance has been receiving calls recently from supporters and others, concerned that scammers are trying to take advantage of two fundraising efforts underway.

CEO Paul Carolan says fraudsters have been contacting people telling them that if they buy a gift card, they’ve won either the HALO lottery or a prize from the Cash Calendar.

Carolan stresses that is not how HALO operates.

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“HALO is quite well known now and perhaps this was inevitable,” says Carolan.

He continues by saying “we would never call someone and tell them they had to pay or buy something in order to receive proceeds from a lottery win or a raffle win.”

Carolan says so far, they’re not aware if anyone has been victimized by this scam.

He says if you are contacted in this manner, you should reach out to HALO, local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

HALO’s Cattle ‘Er Cars lottery has about a month remaining, and Carolan hopes for a big push in ticket sales as they get closer to the deadline.

That lottery offers a prize of 25 bred heifers, a vehicle from Southland Volkswagen or the winner can take $62,500 cash.