The Virginia Lottery is cautioning players to stay vigilant and keep in mind the essential rule of gambling as lottery scams continue to increase.
If something sounds too good to be true, then it is likely not true.
Potential lotto players are being left with the message that VA Lottery officials want to convey.
In the end, fraudsters have returned to their deceptive ways. Their selected scam is nothing groundbreaking, and if we’re being candid, it doesn’t deserve any praise for its originality.
However, with the passage of time, it has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness, if nothing else.
Lottery scams? Don’t even need to play the lotto
Just envision your overwhelming surprise and joy as you receive a phone call informing you that you have emerged as the fortunate winner of the lottery.
Finally, the long-awaited dreams of champagne and caviar have become a reality.
You may be so caught up in the excitement that you could overlook the most obvious inquiries. Specifically, did I actually participate in the lottery? Additionally, it might seem puzzling as to why they would contact me regarding the prize.
When the voice on the other end of the line insists that you must pay a fee or tax upfront to receive your money, it is crucial for your instinctual warning signs to intensify. The prevalence of these “advance fee schemes” is so significant that the FBI and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission have dedicated sections on their websites to address them.
Players were warned by John Hagerty, the Public Affairs Specialist for the Virginia Lottery.
If you happen to be a winner, any taxes or fees, and in the case of Virginia, any unpaid fines or penalties, will be deducted directly from the prize amount. If something appears excessively amazing, chances are it is indeed too good to be true. I understand the allure in hearing the phrase, “You’ve won the lottery,” but it is crucial not to disregard your sound judgment.
Since Alexander Graham Bell first beckoned Thomas Watson, this tried-and-true swindle has remained a favorite among phone scammers.
With the advancement of technology, the tools utilized by swindlers have also progressed. Apart from phone calls, these criminals now employ emails, texts, social media posts, and even traditional mail to deceive individuals through lottery scams.
How to avoid a lottery swindle
You won’t receive a call to congratulate you if you win the Virginia Lottery or any other prize from a state lotto.
They will not contact you to obtain your information. Furthermore, they will absolutely not demand any form of payment such as taxes, fines, or finder’s fees.
Not only is this applicable to the VA Lottery, but it also applies to all lotteries. Whether it’s the Virginia Lottery, the Maryland Lottery, or even international lotteries, don’t anticipate receiving a direct call or message. This is particularly true if you never purchased a ticket for that specific lottery.
Additionally, in case of uncertainty, feel free to reach out to the lottery directly. You can visit a VA Lottery Customer Service Center or directly contact VA Lottery Headquarters at (804) 692-7000.
Don’t forget: Only buy your tickets from authorized Virginia Lotto retailers. Alternatively, enjoy playing your favorite games from the convenience of your home by using the Virginia Lottery online.
Almost all of the most popular games offered by lottery officials have been made accessible for online play in recent months.
The VA Lottery online offers a diverse range of games, from traditional favorites like Pick 3 and Pick 4 to massive jackpot games like Mega Millions and Powerball, as well as unique instant-win digital games.
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