State warns of Spanish lottery scam

The Utah Division of Consumer Protection has issued a warning about a scam involving a Spanish lottery sweepstakes.

According to the division, some Utahns have received letters indicating they have won a cash prize in "El Gordo," a Spanish lottery. Though the lottery is legitimate, the letters and claims therein are not, the division warned.

Utahns should watch out for letters claiming they have won a substantial cash prize and saying that they must call a claim agent at an overseas number and provide bank account information to collect their winnings.

Once bank account and other personal information has been been provided, consumers are asked to send money to cover taxes and transfer costs.

Francine Giani, director of the division, said Utahns should be wary if they receive any information indicating they have won cash awards or prizes in contests they have not entered, particularly if those contests originate from overseas.

"Consumers who receive calls telling them they've won a lottery from another country can be certain they are dealing with a swindler," Giani said in a statement.

Federal law prohibits the use of the postal system to sell or buy lottery materials, including tickets, fliers or payments to purchase shares.

To report fraudulent lottery solicitations, Giani suggested contacting the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Postal Inspector.

She also said Utahns who receive fraudulent solicitations should not respond to them in any way, as it may result in identity theft.