Long Shot: Foreign Lottery Scams
Channel: PublicResourceOrg
Date: 2008-01-17

United States Postal Inspection Service

DeliveringJustice
Long Shot: Foreign Lottery Scams
A High Noon Bullet

It's illegal to play foreign lotteries in the United States. But another reason not to play is that you are almost guaranteed to lose. And once you play, you can count on receiving more "chances" to play and lose. This free DVD tells the story of a foreign lottery fraud victim and the con artist behind the scam. Produced by High Noon Film and presented by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, it also provides tips on helping you avoid becoming a victim of this scam.

Play a Foreign Lottery and You're Guaranteed to Lose!

"Don't play," say U.S. Postal Inspectors:

    * It's illegal. A federal statute prohibits mailing lottery tickets, advertisements or payments to purchase tickets in a foreign lottery.
    * It's impractical. Most promotions for foreign lotteries are likely to be phony. Many scam operators don't even buy the tickets.
    * It's a losing proposition. Some scammers will tell you you've won and try to charge you a fee to collect nonexistent winnings.
    * Don't give out personal or financial information to anyone over the Internet or phone who tells you you've won.

Be aware. Be informed.
Don't take a chance on a foreign lottery.