ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) \u2014 New York officials are warning residents about a lottery scam in which callers falsely claim victims have won millions of dollars and luxury vehicles.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A person also cannot win a lottery prize without purchasing a ticket through a licensed retailer, authorized courier service or New York Lottery subscription.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Officials also warned people not to deposit checks accompanied by requests for fees. Those checks may be fraudulent and could negatively affect the recipient\u2019s bank account when they bounce.<\/p>\n