Educate Yourself on Official Powerball Channels – Emphasize the importance of obtaining information only from official Powerball sources, such as the official website or authorized lottery retailers.
Beware of Impersonation Scams – Outline common tactics used by scammers, such as posing as lottery officials, claiming you've won, and requesting personal information or payment upfront. – Encourage skepticism and verification before providing any personal details.
Verify Winning Notifications Independently – Advise recipients of unexpected winning notifications to independently verify the information through official channels. – Provide clear steps on how to cross-check results and legitimacy without relying solely on communication received.
Never Pay Upfront for Prizes – Stress that legitimate lotteries do not require winners to pay upfront fees or taxes before receiving their prizes. – Highlight any request for payment in advance as a red flag for potential fraud.
Secure Personal Information – Remind individuals to safeguard personal and financial information, including social security numbers and bank details. – Warn against sharing sensitive details over the phone or online, especially in response to unsolicited communications.
Use Secure Payment Methods – Encourage the use of secure payment methods when participating in legitimate lottery activities. – Provide tips on identifying secure online transactions and avoiding payment methods that lack buyer protections.
Check for Common Scam Indicators – Educate individuals on common signs of scams, such as grammatical errors, generic email addresses, or pressure tactics to claim winnings quickly. – Encourage a cautious approach to any communication that seems too good to be true.
Report Suspicious Activity – Provide contact information for reporting suspicious activity related to lottery scams. – Emphasize the role of community members in helping authorities identify and apprehend scammers.