POSTAL INSPECTORS WARN ABOUT FOREIGN LOTTERY FRAUD

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March 12, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)--The United States Postal Inspection Service is warning the public about foreign lottery scams. In three years, American consumers lost over $42 million in lottery scams.  Lottery fraud victims not only suffer the devastation of a financial loss, but even worse, the psychological pain and suffering that take a physical toll on the victims.  And many victims suffer alone, because they are too embarrassed to report the crime and seek assistance.  These scams continue to plague our nation’s citizens and can only be stopped by educating the public about this devastating crime.

Fraudsters often prey on older Americans who may be more attractive targets because they are retired and perceived to have time and money.  Seniors are subjected to heavy telemarketing campaigns and often befriended by the fraudster on the phone. Once the fraudster has gained the trust of the senior, the senior feels comfortable sending money to pay for fees in order to receive their lottery winnings.  It is critical to educate our seniors, their family members, and their care givers so they may protect themselves and their loved ones.  The Postal Inspection Service suggests the following tips:

You can protect your loved ones by watching for some telltale signs:

• A change in your loved one’s demeanor

• Large withdrawals from bank accounts

• Stacks of mail offering lottery tickets for sale

• A large volume of phone calls

• Hang-ups when you answer the phone because your voice isn’t recognized as the victim’s voice.

Postal Inspectors encourage the public to report suspected lottery scams at 877-876-2455, http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov or at your local Post Office.

This year the United States Postal Inspection Service will focus its prevention campaign on foreign lottery fraud scams by participating in events the entire month of March. For additional information on foreign lottery scams see websites: http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov and http://www.deliveringtrust.com.

 


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