WARNING: MILLION DOLLAR LOTTERY SCAM TARGETING VIRGINIANS

RICHMOND – Virginians are advised to be cautious of a new scheme called “The Million Dollar Lottery.” Within the past two weeks, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s (BCI) Chesapeake Field Office has received two calls from area residents who had been solicited for money through this scam. The scam is under investigation by state police.

The scam is initiated with an official-looking letter and check sent in the mail to allegedly certify that the recipient is one of two international winners of the Million Dollar Lottery 2005 Draw. The letter details that the drawing took place March 11, 2005, and provides several ticket numbers. The recipient is directed to contact a Mr. David Smith via a toll-free number “for processing and remittance of your prize to a designated account” by June 18, 2005. The recipient is asked to leave a name and phone number for follow up contact.

A bogus check for more than $4,000 is also enclosed with the letter to “help cover your legal fees involved in your winning.” Once contact is made the recipient is directed to send a personal check for more than $2,000 to an address in British Columbia to cover the cost of processing the prize.

“Fortunately, one individual that contacted us had the foresight to call the bank to confirm the validity of the check sent to him and found out the account didn’t exist,” said Capt. Raymond J. Scott, BCI Division Commander, Chesapeake Field Office. “These scam artists are getting more sophisticated in their solicitations and will use legitimate bank names and insignias to falsely gain a person’s trust.”

Individuals are advised to never give out personal information or send money to an unknown source without verifying the company or solicitor’s legitimacy. Anyone who may have received such letters and/or has been victimized by this scam is encouraged to contact local authorities or the nearest State Police Headquarters.