Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Not even Mega Millions, one of America’s biggest jackpot games, is immune to scams.
Lottery officials in the Mega Millions division issued a warning on Tuesday, Dec. 15, about “scammers who are impersonating Mega Millions online, using the game’s familiar logo to promote a fake ‘special drawing.'”
According to Mega Millions, the con is the latest in a string of “many” fake lottery-related incidents, which use language and imagery from well-known lottery brands to make players believe they’re either entering a legitimate game or winning a nonexistent prize.
“These criminals use a lot of tricks to create the appearance of legitimacy,” Khalid Jones, lead director of Mega Millions, said. “These scams all have one thing in common: They try to trick you into getting your money or personal information by claiming that you have won a large lottery prize.”
Mega Millions did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Here’s what Mega Millions says players should watch out for.
How to protect yourself from fake lottery scams
It’s not always immediately obvious when a video or letter has been doctored, but you should still exercise caution because “fake lottery scams can take many forms,” according to Mega Millions.
“Consumers are encouraged to be alert for this and many other fake lottery scams,” Mega Millions warned.
According to Mega Millions, here are a few ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from being targeted:
- “Be suspicious” if you are told you have won a lottery that you never played. Just because a real lottery is mentioned does not necessarily mean a real prize is waiting for you.
- If you happen to see a promotion or a “special drawing” while scrolling on social media, confirm its origin and ensure the details are from a legitimate source.
- “Be careful” about clicking links that they say go to a “special drawing” or promotion.
- No real lottery will tell a winner or winners to send money to collect a prize they’ve already won.
- “Be suspicious” if messaging advertised on social media contains misspellings or poor grammar.
- Be wary of any phone number you don’t recognize, especially if the area code is from a place you’ve never been to or have never heard of.
- Hang up and block anyone you might think is trying to scam you.
- Do not call any numbers or click on links you don’t recognize, even if you are instructed to do so as a way of “verifying” your prize.
Above all, never share sensitive personal information, such as bank account details, or send money unless you can verify where the request is coming from.
You may contact the Federal Trade Commission by phone at (877)-382-4357 to file a complaint or receive additional information. If you have been the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency.
