Knowledge is power: Tips to avoid falling for a scam | Crime

A word of warning from the Missouri Lottery:   “If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.”

In recognition of National Scams Awareness Month, the Missouri Lottery wants all players to be awared that scams do exist and knowledge is your best line of defense.

When it comes to lottery-related scams, Security Specialist Brenda Haugen says players should be aware of several key facts:

“The Missouri Lottery will never request vital information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, mother’s maiden name, etc., from winners over the phone.  Additionally, the Lottery doesn’t ask winners to provide money upfront to claim a prize, oblige a timeframe of less than two weeks to respond to or act on a ticket-entry promotion prize deadline, or enter someone into a promotion for an added bonus, or for any other reason, without their knowledge.”

If you are in doubt, Haugen urges players to call the Missouri Lottery at 1-866-MOLOTTERY (1-866-665-6883) and select Option 2.

For a list of the Top 10 scams making the rounds, visit the Missouri Attorney General’s website.  If you feel you’ve been a victim of a scam, call their Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222.