Still, federal law enforcement authorities are intercepting and destroying millions of these international lottery mailings sent or delivered by the truckload into the U.S. And consumers, lured by prospects of instant wealth, are responding to the solicitations that do get through to the tune of $120 million a year, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Both the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service say most promotions for international lotteries are likely to be phony. Many scam operators do NOT even buy the promised lottery tickets. Others buy some tickets, but keep the “winnings” for themselves. In addition, lottery scam artists use victims’ bank account numbers to make unauthorized withdrawals or their credit card numbers to run up additional charges.
If you play an international lotterythrough the mail or over the telephone you are violating federal law. There are no secret systems for winning international lotteries. Your chances of winning more than the cost of your tickets are slim to none.
If you purchase one international lottery ticket, expect many more bogus offers for lottery or investment “opportunities.” Your name will be placed on a “sucker lists” that fraudulent telemarketers buy and sell. Keep your credit card and bank account numbers to yourself. Scam artists often ask for them during an unsolicited sales pitch. NEVER give that information to anyone over the telephone!
The bottom line, according to the FTC: Ignore all mail and phone solicitations for international lottery promotions. If you receive what looks like lottery material from a foreign country, give it to your local postmaster.
To report telemarketing fraud of any kind, contact your state Attorney General.
This article along with other lottery articles can be found on http://24-7lottery.com
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