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“Congratulations, you won the lottery”... but it's all a lie. The Florida Lottery has issued a serious warning about the rise of fraudulent calls that promise million-dollar prizes but end up stealing money and personal information from unsuspecting individuals.
According to the authorities, scammers are making calls in which they claim that the recipient has won a large lottery prize. They then request upfront payments to cover supposed "taxes" or ask for confidential information such as Social Security numbers or bank account details.
“These scams are not only misleading but also dangerous”, warned John F. Davis, Secretary of the Florida Lottery, to Fox 35 Orlando.
How can you tell if someone is scamming you?
The lottery informs that it will never call you to say that you have won. Additionally, it will not ask for money upfront or personal information. It adds that winnings can only be claimed in person or by mail, and always with a valid ticket.
What to do if you receive a suspicious call?
If you receive a suspicious call, follow these tips: hang up immediately, do not provide personal information, and report the scam attempt to the Lottery Security Division: (850) 487-7730, or to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: 1-800-HELP-FLA.
The Florida Lottery has strengthened its education and prevention campaign through its Security Center, where guidance on how to stay safe can be obtained.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lottery Scams and Identity Theft in Florida
How to identify a fraudulent lottery prize call?
The Florida Lottery will never call you to inform you that you've won a prize. They will also not ask for money upfront or your personal information. Prizes can only be claimed in person or by mail with a valid ticket. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately, do not provide any personal information, and report it to the appropriate authorities.
What are the FBI's recommendations for avoiding identity theft scams?
The FBI recommends not to respond to calls from unknown numbers and to hang up immediately if you suspect it is a scam. Federal agencies do not ask for money or personal information via phone or email. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, report the incident to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
What to do if you receive a call from someone claiming to be an immigration agent?
No legitimate immigration agent will ask for money or rewards over the phone. If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately and do not provide any personal information. These are common scam tactics in Florida, and it is advised to report these attempts to local authorities or the FBI.
How can technology and artificial intelligence affect phone scams?
Scammers use advanced technology such as artificial intelligence to make scams seem more convincing. This includes the real-time recreation of voices and faces, making it harder for victims to detect the deception. It is crucial to be cautious with any unsolicited interaction and to always verify the source before providing personal information or money.
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