Powerball lottery scam uses $316 million winner information to fool public
This Powerball lottery winner scam going round the country is fooling a number of unaware members of the public, reports WGAL TV.
Some details in the message are obviously false, but this scam may catch people off guard because at least one part of the story is true, and the names mentioned are real.
If you were forwarded this scam text, it claims to be from Tammy and Cliff Webster of Wisconsin, who won a $316 million Powerball on January 5, 2022.
An interview with Tammy and Cliff Webster after their giant $316.3 million Powerball win. VIDEO: FOX6 News Milwaukee
The scam text says that the couple is now donating $120,000 to 50 random individuals.
And guess what? You're one of the lucky 50. There's even a phone number to call to get your money.
The true facts are that Tammy and Cliff webster of Oneida did really win the $316.3 million dollar powerball jackpot in January of this year. The two had split the $632 million jackpot with another winner in Sacramento, California.
So the message appears legitimate. But if you follow the instructions to apply for the funds, it’s a different story.
Some victims around the United States have reported losing hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars which they spent in ‘processing fees’ to get their money.
Lottery lawyer Kurt Panouses explains how big winners stash their cash, and what to do after you’ve won. VIDEO: WISN 12 News
Others who were scammed have reported divulging personal information such as their driver's license number or social security numbers in order to get their money.
This type of scam is well known by the Better Business Bureau as it has been circulating for years. And sadly, when someone else finally does win the big jackpot, you can bet that scammers will update and recycle their pitch with the names of the latest winners.
The best idea is to ignore it on the basis that if it looks too good to be true, it usually is.