News Releases

MOBILE POLICE ISSUE WARNING REGARDING FOREIGN LOTTERY SCAMS

Mar 19th, 2009

For more information, contact:

Dana Godwin,

Public Relations Coordinator

251.208.1918

dana.godwin@cityofmobile.org

It's a ruse that has been around for years and has recently reared its ugly head in Mobile. The plot goes something like this: You receive a phone call or letter stating that you have won millions of dollars in a foreign lottery. The funds are ready to be handed over…after you reveal your banking information and provide a substantial amount of cash for taxes, customs fees, etc.

In some cases, the "lottery officials" have the "winner" report to the airport to pick up their package of cash which never arrives. In the end, the thieves have scammed the victim of thousands of dollars.

The most recent incident in Mobile involved people claiming to be officials with the Jamaican lottery. In reality, the "officials" were calling the victims from pay phones and, of course, never delivered the $5,000,000 they promised.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's website, foreign lotteries are illegal. In fact, "federal law prohibits the cross-border sale or purchase of lottery tickets by phone or mail."

The bottom line…if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't fall victim to a foreign lottery scam! If you feel you have been victimized, please contact the Mobile Police Department at 208-7211.