Lottery Scams Promise Cash For Personal Info

by KDLT News
February 01, 2013 10:55 AM


The South Dakota Lottery is urging players to not be taken in by a scam that promises them a cash prize in return for personal information.

Lottery officials were notified by a player that they had received an e-mail from an individual claiming to be with the "Powerball Company" and advising them to provide personal information including Facebook and e-mail account passwords to receive their $50,000 prize. The individual was also told that a claim fee had to be paid before the money could be collected.

Lottery executive director Norm Lingle reminds the public that his agency does not make such demands. "The Lottery doesn't ask a winner to pay money upfront to claim a prize nor do we request personal information such as passwords to your social media and e-mail accounts," Lingle said. "If you receive an e-mail or Facebook message that is making such requests, it's a scam and should be deleted immediately."

Lottery prizes of $101 or more must be claimed at a Lottery office in Pierre, Rapid City or Sioux Falls using an official prize claim form. For more information on avoiding lottery scams, visit this link .