07/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2024 09:43
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-On National Lottery Day, Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians of scams involving lotteries, prizes and sweepstakes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scams involving prizes, sweepstakes and lotteries caused nearly $340 million in financial losses to consumers last year and were the third-most commonly reported scam across the nation. Attorney General Moody is issuing tips for Floridians to avoid being swindled.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, "Today is National Lottery Day, and we are warning Floridians about scammers that target victims with the promise of a big prize. They will request payment or personal information in order to receive the winnings. Don't fall for their tricks. Check out our Consumer Alert for more information to help spot and avoid sweepstakes scams."
In a lottery or sweepstakes scam, fraudsters will call, email, text or send a letter claiming the target won a prize or large sum of money. However, in order to receive it, the fraudsters will demand that the victim pay multiple fees or give personal or account information.
The Florida Lottery will never request a fee payment. The only deductions from winnings will be in the form of taxes. Winnings will also never be transferred over the phone or through a wire transfer. In fact, if a participant wins more than $600 through the Florida Lottery, the participant must physically report to one of the organization's district offices to collect the winnings.
Scammers might also:
Here are some tips to avoid sweepstakes and lottery scams:
To report a lottery or sweepstakes scam, contact the Florida Attorney General's Office at 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or file a complaint at MyFloridaLegal.com.
To report a fraudulent sweepstakes or lottery offer received by mail, contact the Postal Inspection Service online at USPIS.gov.
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