Mega Millions Scam Dupes Ashburn Resident

ASHBURN, VA — This one's been going on for at least a few years, yet the "Mega Millions" scam keeps on scooping up unsuspecting victims. So it went last Friday in the 21000 block of Cardinal Pond Terrace, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

The resident notified police and told of having received an email from someone claiming to be a representative of the Mega Millions lottery game. The so-called representative told the victim that for something along the lines of a processing fee, a jackpot reward was available if money was sent.

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Well, money indeed was sent. The jackpot reward? Nah. Not until later did the victim find out it was a scam. Mega Millions, of course, is well aware of such scams and has advice to keep from being duped:

* If someone says you have won a lottery that you have never played, be suspicious. You can’t win a legitimate lottery if you didn’t buy a ticket.

* If you have caller-ID on your phone, check the area code when someone calls to tell you you’ve won. If it is from a foreign country, that is a red flag. Also, be aware that some con artists use technology that allows them to disguise their area code: although it may look like they’re calling from your state, they could be anywhere in the world.

* Be suspicious if an e-mail contains misspellings or poor grammar, or if the person who called you uses poor English.

* If you are told that you need to keep your “win” confidential, be suspicious.

* No real lottery tells winners to put up their own money in order to collect a prize they have already won. If you have to pay a fee to collect your winnings, you haven’t won.

* Just because a real lottery is mentioned does not necessarily make it a real prize. Someone may be using the lottery’s name without its permission or knowledge.

* Never give out personal information or send money unless you verify the company’s or solicitor’s legitimacy.

* If they offer to wire the “winnings” directly into your bank account, do not give them your bank account information.

* If you are told that you can “verify” the prize by calling a certain number, that number may be part of the scam. Instead of calling it, you should look up the name of the lottery or organization on your own to find out its real contact information.

* If you think someone on the phone is trying to scam you, hang up immediately. If you engage them in conversation, your name and contact information could end up on a list that’s shared with other scammers.The Federal Trade Commission has more information on fake lottery and other scams. To file a complaint or get free information call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). If you have been the victim of a scam, contact your local police or sheriff’s office or state police.

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