FRAUDULENT MONEY ORDERS/WINNING LOTTERY CHECKS

Law Enforcement Authorities report a LARGE increase in fraudulent money orders and winning lottery checks.  These items are being circulated via the Internet and U.S. Postal Service.

The correspondence may indicate the receiver has a “Prize Award Claim/Final Notification” of a sweepstakes lottery, inclusive of a claim number.  Most state that You Should Not Contact the Financial Institution to Verify.  This is a “Red Flag!”

These letters and enclosed prize checks are FRAUDULENT.  Recipients should NOT attempt to cash these items or deposit into a bank account.  You may be held liable for any losses incurred by a financial institution and you may be subject to prosecution.

Should you have any questions contact your local Law Enforcement Agency or call the Fraud Hotline at 850-651-7674.

 Please click here for more information from the Okaloosa County Sheriff: