Memphis Police Warn About Fake Lottery Check Scam

Saturday, November 04, 2006 posted 08:26 AM EST

There's a lottery check scam going around and if you get caught up you could end up in jail.

Memphis police say they are arresting people attempting to cash counterfeit checks almost daily.

Lieutenant Darrel Sheffield with the Memphis Police Department says it's set up like a typical Nigerian letter scam. Sheffield says the victim usually receives a letter in the mail telling them they've won a particular lottery. The letter will also include a check and directions for the "winner" on how to claim their prize.

Sheffield says in many cases the person is asked to deposit the check into their bank account. Next the person is asked to wire or send a check to a specific address in order to redeem their winnings.

The lieutenant says once you deposit the bogus check, not only have you been scammed, but you've also committed forgery. Sheffield says forgery is a felony and could be punishable to up to one year in jail.

Sheffield says the best way to avoid being the victim of a scam is to use common sense. You should never pay money to win money. Also police say if you get a letter in the mail and you know you didn't enter a lottery, it's probably a scam.

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