A devious lottery scam involving the promise of cash prizes to winners in exchange for “small” payments threatens to make losers out of unsuspecting Tennessee senior citizens.
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) has commenced an investigation into the alleged wrongdoing and is warning senior citizens, their families, and caretakers about the lottery scam. .
In an alleged fraud being investigated by TDCI, a senior citizen living in an assisted living facility received a cold-call from a person(s) impersonating a lottery official and congratulating him on his lottery winnings. After establishing a relationship with the senior citizen, this person(s) allegedly sought to help him liquidate certain financial holdings to help him pay for “identity bonds,” taxes, and/or processing fees on his winnings.
In addition to posing as representatives of this fake lottery, the swindlers have also impersonated federal government employees and major financial institutions
Tennesseans are encouraged to reach out to the TDCI if they have any questions or concerns about a potential fraud. Call us at (615) 741-4737 or 800-342-8385 FREE.
