Palos Heights Woman Loses Big in Lottery Scam
Scams are popping up all the time. Police want you to be safe and not fall prey.
A Palos Heights woman was one of two scammed out of a combined $172,000 in a lottery scam, according to police officials.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is cautioning residents about a scam where criminals contact people, saying they won a jackpot without even buying a ticket. Many of the victims are senior citizens.
Palos Park police sent out the warning late last month.
Read: Palos Park Hit With Ruse Scams
An 80-year-old woman from Palos Heights lost $90,000, according to Cook County Sheriff's police. The second victim was a 74-year-old Lansing, who was taken for $82,000.
The scam claims that prize money can be collected if the victim first sends money throug Western Union or a cashier's check to a foreign address to cover added taxes or changes. Scammers contact potential victims by a variety of methods, including faxes and letters, some of which have fake seals and certificates. They also sometimes claim they made a mistake and ask for money.
Authorities beleive this particular scam is nationwide. Cook County has received many complaints.
All lotteries require a ticket to enter and there are not fees to pay for real ones, police warn.
If you think you are being hit with a scam, contact local police or the Cook County Sheriff's Department at 708-865-4896.
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Scott Johnson
12:37 pm on Thursday, January 3, 2013
Another scam everyone should be aware of is the Amway Tool Scam. Google "Stop The Amway Tool Scam Wordpress" for more information, and forward this to every non-Distributor/IBO you know, so they don't get scammed.