This is stuff that everyone should already know, but just in case you don't, the Michigan Lottery issued a warning to the public this week to be aware of those scammers that are telling people that they've won some big lottery prize...but...that they have to pay a fee or give out all of their personal information in order to collect said jackpot. Sorry, but that's not how it works. If you need a refresher on how this scam works, they explain it like this:

  • A person gets a letter, email, or phone call to inform them that they've won a big lottery prize but must pay a fee or provide sensitive personal information to collect the prize.
  • If the person agrees to pay a fee, the scam artist convinces them to mail a cashier's check, make an electronic funds transfer, or even arranges a meeting to get the money in cash.
  • If the person agrees to provide sensitive personal information, the scam artist may be able to commit identity fraud. 

Also, if you didn't know, the Michigan Lottery temporarily closed its regional claim offices to the public back on March 19th "while implementing additional measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19". However, you are STILL able to check if a lottery prize, offer, or promotion is for real be reaching out to the Lottery's Public Relations Division. You can call them at 844-887-6836 and select option 2. You can also get ahold of them via email at milottery@michigan.gov. And, as always, if you believe you--or someone you know--has been the victim of such a scam, you should call your local law enforcement agency. You can click here to find out more.

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