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BBB Warns Against Powerball Scams
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – A Better Business Bureau warns that $1.5 billion Powerball drawing may result in scams against consumers.
The central Ohio bureau expects scammers to take advantage of Wednesday’s drawing for the largest lottery prize in U.S. history to trick people into thinking they won smaller prizes.
The bureau says scammers reach out via email, telephone and regular mail to “inform” secondary winners of smaller prizes.
Officials say targets of the scams are often asked to pay “taxes” or other fees upfront before they can claim their supposed winnings. They also may receive a letter informing them they won a prize and including a fake check to cover taxes on winnings. Victims are told to deposit the check in their bank account and then send the money to a third party.