Internet lottery scams are a common and growing problem. Thousands of lottery scam letters are sent out every day by con men out to steal their victim's money and identity.
Legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes do not ask for money; lottery scammers do. Lottery scams claim 'winners' must pay money for bank fees, storage, shipping and other fees.
If the victim responds, the con men will write back asking for personal identification. Con men can then use personal banking, passport, driver's license and/or credit card information to open fraudulent accounts. It is common for scammers to claim to be gaming officials, lawyers, law enforcement agents, tax collectors, and other legitimate authorities in their attempt at identity theft.
Sometimes a lottery scammer will issue their target a counterfeit or stolen check or money order. The victim then becomes responsible for any money spent, as well as taxes on any money that is kept. The victim may even be arrested for fraud themselves if the bank or cashier is unaware of the crime.
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