By Ryan Atkins
ratkins@
post-journal.com
Investigators from the Jamestown Police Department are investigating an incident involving a lottery scam that was targeted towards an elderly Jamestown resident.
The resident reportedly received a letter in the mail stating that she had won $1.5 million. The letter then gave a number to call where she would receive further instructions.
In this case, the victim never called the number. On Monday, the company called her at her home explaining that she had won the money. She was advised over the phone that she had to do the following: Go to a specific local electronics store and purchase a gift card loaded with $250 plus a $4.95 activation fee. The card was then to be given to a delivery person that will come to the victim's home at a specified time set up by the scam company. The victim was then advised that she would be given a package from the delivery person and that a limo with a lawyer and an accountant would show up to give the victim her winnings.
This call was received by the victim while a close relative was in the home and they were able to intervene without any loss to the victim.
Anyone who received a similar letter or phone call is asked to contact their local police agency so that it can be verified and investigated. Legitimate lottery companies will not require any form of payment upfront for the winnings.