Lottery scam cheats Minden woman of $2,950

Staff Reports

A 48-year-old Minden woman was cheated out of $2,950 when she responded to a letter telling her she'd won a Canadian lottery drawing.

The woman received the notice in the mail along with a check in the amount of $4,800 and instructions to return $2,950 by money order to pay taxes related to the win.

She sent the money order as instructed and deposited the $4,800 check, only to find that it was fictitious, according to Sgt. Tom Mezzetta of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

"The victim became financially responsible for that amount deposited into her account as well as the $3,000 money gram she had purchased and sent to Canada," Mezzetta said. "In many cases, as it was in this instance, the victim was provided with a name and telephone number of a subject identified as the claims agent. Law enforcement refers to these individuals as closers. These smooth-talking con artists are extremely proficient in selling the scam and ensnaring the intended victim."

Mezzetta reminded residents to be wary of such scams.

"Methods used by scam artists vary, but the intended result of separating you from your money remains a constant," he said. "To protect yourself, never respond to unsolicited correspondence. Never pay fees or taxes upfront and never send money in order to collect a prize. Remember that speaking with someone on the telephone does not lend legitimacy to their claims. Most importantly, never release personal or financial information or you may find yourself a victim of identity theft."