ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — New York officials are warning residents about a lottery scam in which callers falsely claim victims have won millions of dollars and luxury vehicles.
The New York State Gaming Commission said people in multiple states have reported receiving calls from someone posing as a high-ranking Mega Millions official based in New York.
The caller claims the recipient won $18.6 million and two new Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but must first pay taxes before the prizes can be delivered. The scammer may also pressure victims by saying the check and vehicle warranties will soon expire.
Officials stressed that legitimate lotteries do not contact people to tell them they have won. The New York Lottery does not know who has a winning ticket until that ticket is presented for payment.
A person also cannot win a lottery prize without purchasing a ticket through a licensed retailer, authorized courier service or New York Lottery subscription.
The Gaming Commission said people should never send money or provide personal or financial information to someone claiming they must pay a processing, claiming or tax fee before receiving a prize.
Requests for payment through gift cards or Green Dot cards are also signs of a scam. Government agencies do not collect taxes through those methods.
Officials also warned people not to deposit checks accompanied by requests for fees. Those checks may be fraudulent and could negatively affect the recipient’s bank account when they bounce.
Anyone contacted about a New York Lottery subscription prize can verify it by calling the Lottery Subscription Center at 518-388-3370 or emailing gaming.sm.subscriptions@gaming.ny.gov.