How to Spot Lottery & Sweepstakes Scams
Who wouldn’t want to win thousands or even millions of dollars, or the chance to go on a luxury vacation? The idea of winning millions or a fabulous prize can be alluring. Scammers understand that and take advantage of the eagerness and excitement to score that big check or dream trip.
The Boise Police have recently received calls from victims, or their friends and family members, who have become involved in a lottery scam. The victims in these cases have received phone calls or emails stating they won millions from Powerball or Publishers Clearinghouse. The caller or email will give instructions on how to claim the prize, which consists on paying taxes, fees, etc. before they will give hand over your prize.
The fees are to be paid in ways such as buying gift cards or mailing money orders and sometimes even cash which they instruct the victim to put inside a magazine or other item to mail.
Prevention Tips:
Don’t ever pay a fee to claim a prize you’ve supposedly won or to improve your chances of winning.
Don’t wire money to or share gift card numbers with someone claiming to represent a contest or lottery.
Don’t physically send cash in the mail or by FedEx, USPS or other methods.
Don't provide personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you about a lottery prize.
Don’t deposit supposed winnings that come in the form of a partial-payment check, accompanied by instructions to return a portion to the contest sponsors. The check will bounce, and you’ll likely have to repay your bank for any withdrawals from that deposit, including what you sent the scammers.
Do talk to neighbors, friends, or family members who might be more likely to fall for this or other scams.
Today's Crime Stoppers of Southwest Idaho report is brought to you by Boise Solar. Find out how to make the switch to solar at https://www.boisesolar.org/
If you have been contacted by someone who is asking you to fork over your hard earned money in order to claim a prize you need to need turn them in! You will remain anonymous when you contact Crime Stoppers of Southwest Idaho and you could earn a reward of up to $1000.00 if your tip leads to a felony arrest!
1-Leave a web tip at 343COPS.COM
2-Use the FREE app: P3 Tips - get the app on ITunes or in the Google Play Store by typing “P3 Tips” in the search bar.
3-Call 208-343-COPS(2677)