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Oregon Gaming Enforcement Detectives Investigating Lottery Scam Targeting Elderly
Oregon State Police Detectives assigned to the Gaming Enforcement Division are investigating fraudulent letters sent to people in other parts of the country advising of unclaimed lottery winnings. Possibly targeting potential elderly victims, the addresses listed on the letterheads are of the Oregon Lottery's physical address and post office box mailing address.
During the last three weeks, detectives have been receiving letters sent to people in states such as Georgia, Florida, California and Pennsylvania stating,"Our records indicated that we have not received a claim for your last year's shared winnings up to $750,000.00". The letterheads list two Salem, Oregon-area addressed fraudulent companies called "Golden Lotto Mega Bucks" and "Top Hat Lotto".
"At this time it appears these letters may be targeting elderly people in other parts of the country", said Detective Rich Dennis. "Unfortunately, several people have already become victims to this scam including one person who lost nearly $7,000".
Detective Dennis explained that the letter asks the victim to call an "866" phone number. Once on the phone, they are told a check equaling 1% of the "unclaimed winnings" will be sent to them to help pay the premium prior to receiving the award. Upon receipt of the check the victim is asked to deposit the check into their account, then withdraw the same amount and have the funds wired back through Western Union.
A couple of days after the funds were wired,the victim's bank contacts the victim advising the check is fraudulent. The victim has by then lost the amount from their own account.
To this date investigators have identified at least seven victims. No victims have been identified in Oregon, but investigators believe there may be others. Investigators are working with other federal and state agencies in the ongoing investigation.
The Oregon State Police and Oregon Lottery recommend that if anyone receives a similar bogus lotto letter.
* Do not provide any personal information.
* Do not send money.
* Keep the letter and notify the Oregon State Police Gaming Enforcement Division.
Anyone with information or who has received a similar letter in Oregon is asked to contact Detective Rich Dennis, Oregon State Police Gaming Enforcement Division, at (503) 540-1409.
Source: BonusGambler.com Editors' Choice
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