Older Americans and the people who care for them can protect their family and finances by learning more about new ways to avoid old scams.
Often, the problem is a scam involving foreign lotteries. Americans have lost millions of dollars to these scams. These crimes can seriously affect the lives of their victims and their families.
The criminals tend to talk a good game and the elderly are often the target of foreign lottery scams. The scammers can “spoof” caller ID to make it look like they are calling from the United States or even a government agency.
The criminals may ask you to pay to play — by wire, check, money order or cash.
They may try to get you to send money that is just for “taxes and fees.” Scammers might even provide a check or money order as an advance on the winnings, with instructions to cash and return the proceeds to receive the winnings.
That is not a good idea; more than just the odds are against you.
Fortunately, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is out to stop these criminals — and you can help.
If you or a loved one receives an unsolicited offer, postal inspectors recommend that you:
Hang up the phone or delete the email.
Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone over the Internet or telephone.
Never wire or send money to anyone, anywhere who says you have won a foreign lottery.
Do not let anyone pressure you into making an immediate decision.
Never purchase anything until you get all information in writing.
Foreign lotteries are not just a risky proposition for American consumers; under many circumstances, they also are illegal.
A federal statute prohibits mailing lottery tickets, advertisements or payments to purchase tickets in a foreign lottery.
Combating foreign lottery fraud is a top priority for the Postal Inspection Service.
Inspector Paul Krenn says if you suspect you are a victim of a fraud or have received a suspected fraud through the mail, report it to
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You can find more information on fraud and how to avoid becoming a victim at that same site.