General Tips
- Use extra caution when the offer sounds “too good to be true”. It may be tempting but it is usually a fraud.
- Be aware that is illegal for anyone from a foreign country to solicit lottery ticket sales in the United States.
- Do not pay for a “free prize”. If a caller tells you the payment is for “taxes”, “transfer fees”, “insurance” or “processing costs”. He or she is violating Federal law. Never send money to collect a prize.
- Legitimate organizations will not demand money before they award lottery winnings or other prizes. Never send money to collect a prize if a “fee” is required.
- If you have concern about a solicitation, talk to family members or attorney or even local police before making the financial decision to send money for a lottery prize.
- Never provide confidential personal information such as your social security, date of birth, credit card numbers and expiration dates or bank account numbers to any person not affiliated with a legitimate business or unknown persons.
- Beware of one time limited offers that are “good for today only” or are “last chance” offers.
- If telephone solicitations become threatening or caller is attempting to pressure you – Hang Up!
- Do not respond to unsolicited advertisements, beware of websites many “copycat” websites are created to fool the consumers.
- Check with your bank to find out how long it will take the check to clear. Remember, just because the bank has given you access to the funds, it does not mean the check has fully cleared. Wait until the check has cleared before sending the amount of the over payment.