COLUMBUS – Another text scam is making rounds in Central Ohio. Better Business Bureau has received numerous complaints about fraudulent texts stating that a Powerball winner would like to “give back to 40 lucky persons.”
In reality, it’s just an attempt to lure victims into revealing personal information.
Lee Anne Lanigan, BBB’s director of consumer relations and investigations, said this has circulated in the past but this time there’s a variation.
“Usually, this type of scam uses the same names in their solicitation. This time, the scammers are changing names referenced in their texts, as well as possibly changing the phone number it’s coming from,” she said.
This change may make the text seem more authentic.
A verified screenshot illustrates the scam sent to a Columbus resident.
People are in real need of money in today’s current economy. A lottery win, or even a donation from someone else’s, would be the ticket to needed funds and this may prompt unsuspecting victims to respond to the request, getting deeper in the scam. Lanigan said.
“In this case, they are asking for your name and address," she said. "If the victim responds, it’s likely the next request will be for a bank account number to deposit funds. But it will never actually be deposited.”
BBB reminds people to protect themselves from lottery scams:
- Be suspicious of irregular communications, especially via text, email or phone.
- Don’t provide money or information to people that you don’t know or that promise you money in exchange. You will never have to pay up-front fees to claim a prize.
- If you are asked to prove your identity, it’s a scam.
- Always report scams to law enforcement or BBB Scam Tracker, https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker.
For more information, contact your local BBB (BBB of Central Ohio) if you are unsure of something that could possibly be a scam. The phone number is 614-486-6336 and website is https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-central-ohio.
Report suspicious activities to BBB Scam Tracker and protect yourself by going to https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/8767-bbb-tips-10-steps-to-avoid-scams to read “10 Steps to Avoid Scams.”
Stay up to date and aware of the latest scams by signing up for scam alerts through the BBB website.
About BBB
Better Business Bureau is a community-based resource, an adviser and a partner in business. BBB exists to advance trust in business and believes that businesses who embrace trust as a core principle in their organization will see that it leads to growth in employees, customers, community and their bottom line. Through evaluation and accreditation, education and training, and celebrating great role models, BBB builds a community of like-minded businesses and loyal customers. BBB believes in the power of trust to grow people, businesses and communities. Learn more at www.bbb.org.
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