Palos Heights Woman Loses Big in Lottery Scam

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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