June 12, 2008 – Assorted scam artists are trying to take advantage of the unsuspecting.

Some scams seek personal information in order to clean out the victim’s bank accounts. Email solicitations for money should be ignored, and personal information should never be provided to unknown individuals or those claiming to represent unknown businesses.

Recently, an Ohio woman received an e-mail saying she had won a prize in a Mega Millions drawing. The e-mail appeared to be legitimate, but asked for a name, address, and phone number to claim the prize. The woman suspected the e-mail was fraudulent and forwarded it to the proper authorities. Similar fraudulent e-mails that appear to have been sent by other lotteries in the United States have also been reported.

Another type of scam that has been reported in other states involves a mailing with a counterfeit check. The mailing asks for a deposit or processing fee in order to claim the prize. A similar example includes a situation in which the criminal claims to have a major winning ticket but a shortage of funds necessary to claim the prize, and offers the victim a share of the prize in return for a loan of the prize claim fee.

Claiming a Nebraska Lottery prize is not complicated and doesn’t require a fee. The Nebraska Lottery does not contact those who have not already purchased a ticket or entered a contest.

Nebraska Lottery Director Jim Haynes said, “Nebraska Lottery prizes can be claimed at retailers, by mail or in person at a claim center. A third party is not needed, and we do not contact individuals who have not entered a contest or purchased a ticket. There is never a fee for claiming a Nebraska Lottery prize, and banking information is not sought.”

If you receive a questionable phone call, email or mailing, or notice a suspicious website, you may contact Nebraska Lottery Security at 800-587-5200.

For additional information on various types of consumer fraud, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-727-6432 or 402-471-2682.

Information on claiming Nebraska Lottery prizes can be found at Nebraska Lottery retailers, on the Nebraska Lottery website (www.nelottery.com) under Winners & Numbers, or by calling 800-587-5200.