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Sweepstakes - Lottery Scam Alert

Date of News Release: 04/15/2010

(London, Ky.) -- On 04-15-2010 the Kentucky State Police Post 11, London received a report of a scam that targets victims through the claim that they have won a sweepstakes or lottery.

The notification comes to the victim via mail delivery, claiming to be from a valid US nationally known company, and includes a check for paying the taxes owed on the prize.

The check is written for an amount that is greater than the claimed tax liability and the victim is requested to contact a claims agent for instructions on paying the taxes with the enclosed check. The check, although looking valid, is in fact worthless.

The scam appears to be originating from outside the United States and utilizes US company names and addresses for the appearance of legitimacy.

Anyone receiving a claim of winning a sweepstakes or lottery is urged not to send any money and to contact their local law enforcement agency.