| We have repeatedly warned seniors about phony
lotteries and sweepstakes, but the con artists who run these scams are
persistent and persuasive. We still receive calls from consumers who
are tempted to send money to claim prizes. A recent caller wanted us to
verify that a sweepstakes was legitimate. She had been notified that
she had won a sweepstakes and had been instructed to wire money to
Costa Rica to pay for a so-called franchise tax. A person who claimed
to be from the Florida Customs Office contacted her directly and
assured her the sweepstakes was legitimate. Please
do not be duped, and do not allow your family members to be duped, by
"verification" from callers who claim to be government officials.
Whenever you are asked to pay any money, for any reason, in order to
claim a prize, you are dealing with a crook. The requirement to wire
money, rather than using US mail, is another tip-off. Do not accept
"verification" from someone who calls you. Anyone can call you and say
anything! Also do not attempt to verify a claim by calling a number
given to you by the person or organization you are checking up on. They
can just give you the number of an accomplice. If you call anyone, look
up the number yourself in a public directory. Finally, if
you have been told that you have won a big prize in a sweepstakes or
lottery you did not enter, especially a foreign lottery, and you are
being asked to send money, you do not need to make any phone calls to
check up on the offer. I can tell you right now: it is a scam. Call us
at (800) 252-8011 if you have questions. 
Greg Abbott
Attorney General of Texas
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