LAKEPORT — Local lottery “winners” might not be so lucky.
Local residents receiving letters claiming they have won a substantial amount of money, which include authentic-appearing checks are really potential victims of a scam.
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), people from across the nation have reported receiving notices in the mail about winnings. Enclosed with the solicitation letter is a legitimate-looking check for thousands of dollars to cover the “cost of fees involved in claiming the winnings.”
The lucky lottery “winner” is instructed to contact the sweepstakes office before cashing the check. The winner is assigned an agent and asked to deposit the check. The agent then orders the winner to withdraw the amount, and wire the money immediately to company to receive the remainder of their winning. The alleged winnings range from $25,000 to $1 million.
According to the BBB, one of the reasons this scam is so effective, is because most of the components are legitimate. The banking institution listed on the check is often a real bank, and the account number and routing number may also be legitimate. The winner is able to deposit the check without a glitch. However, in the weeks to follow, the bank informs the winner that the check was counterfeit. The winner must then pay back any monies they have withdrawn against the counterfeit check.
According to a Reader”s Digest memo, some of these sweepstake letters have contained the Reader”s Digest name. RD has informed the public that they are in no way associated with this sweepstakes. RD does not require any payment for their winners.
The BBB suggest that consumers keep the following in mind:
” There is no reason for someone who is giving you money to ask you to wire money back.
” Just because you can withdraw the money from the bank does not mean the check is good.
” As always, if it seems too good to be true, it likely is.
If you think you are the target or victim of a fraud, report it at once. Potential victims are advised to call the state attorney general, Better Business Bureau or local consumer protection agency. Their phone numbers are listed in the phone book.
Contact Rene Morales at rmorales@record-bee.com.
