A new lottery phone scam is targeting Wisconsin consumers, with callers telling people they are eligible for unclaimed Powerball prizes. The state Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection says the scam involves the caller asking a person to pick numbers. They then call back later claiming the person has won millions of dollars.
Phony prize promises are a common scam, but consumer protection officials say this one has a new twist. The scammer does not ask the victim for any money or personal information, which are the usual red flags to look out for. Instead, it appears they are casing the consumers for future scams, asking general financial questions about investments and the values of their homes.
While playing along many not put your money at immediate risk, it could make you a target for future scams by giving information about your personal wealth and indicating you may be willing to listen to a scammer with a convincing story. This information could be sold and shared among criminals.
Wisconsin Lottery officials say the only time you would get a call from the Lottery is if you entered and won a mail-in drawing.
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