Salem Lottery Scam Warning Involves 'Legitimate-Looking' Check

SALEM, MA — Salem police are warning residents to be wary of a lottery scam that was attempted on a Witch City resident.

Police said the resident received a letter from "Global Link Lottery" saying that they had won $500,000 and included a "legitimate-looking check" — payable to the resident — for $6,895 to cover taxes and fees. The letter then instructed the resident to call a number to collect the rest of their winnings.

By doing so, however, the resident would be asked for personal information that could lead to identity theft, while cashing the fraudulent check would make them responsible for the lost bank funds.

"Should you receive such a letter, do not call the number or attempt to cash the check," police said. "It's a scam."

Salem police provided a copy of the fraudulent check for reference to any resident who is questioning the legitimacy of such an offer.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)