Arizona Lottery Cautions Players to Beware of Fraudulent Mail Scams

PHOENIX, AZ–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) –  The Arizona Lottery today issued a warning to its players to beware of fraudulent email or mail scams falsely stating the recipient is a winner of a big prize. According to the Arizona Lottery, these criminals may target any jackpot game.

Until players come forward with their winning tickets, the identity of a winner remains anonymous to the Lottery. To “Play Safe” the Arizona Lottery urges players to immediately upon purchase, sign the back of their ticket. This step will provide protection to the player when they come forth to claim their prize.

The current scam comes by way of mail in a form of a letter, and is accompanied by a counterfeit check written for a large amount. The scam artist imposes an expiration date requiring a response, and instructs the recipient to deposit the check to claim the prize. By depositing the fake check, they are able to gain access to the recipient’s bank account.

“It is unfortunate that citizens are being preyed upon by fraudulent scams. The Arizona Lottery aggressively works to educate our players in order to maintain the integrity of the lottery,” said Trish Phillips, director of security, Arizona Lottery. “If our players have concerns or if something seems questionable, we ask that players contact the Arizona Lottery.” 

For additional information visit the “Play Safe” section of the Lottery website at www.ArizonaLottery.com for additional information.

About the Arizona Lottery
The Arizona Lottery operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products; it receives no General Fund dollars from the State. Proceeds from sales of Lottery tickets — nearly $3 million per week — fund a variety of state programs. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out over $4.2 billion in prizes to players, more than $2.5 billion in net profit to the state, and almost $510 million in commissions to retailers.

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