Email scams and taxes on lottery winnings

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a Taxpayer Alert to be aware of email scams (generally originating in a foreign country) stating that you have won a lottery or sweepstake but to receive the prizeyou must first pay part of the taxes owed on the prize amount. The CRA reminds Canadians that no taxes are owed on lottery or sweepstake winnings in Canada:

No taxes or fees of any kind have to be paid on lottery winnings in Canada. Any unsolicited email, letter, or telephone call telling you otherwise is a scam. Do not, under any circumstances, send money to someone making such a pitch to you. Instead, immediately contact your local police department or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

For more information on this Taxpayer Alert, see the CRA web site:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/newsroom/alerts/2006/a060118-e.html