Watch CBS News

Florida Lottery Warns About Email Scam

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - If you've gotten an email from the Florida Lottery saying you've won a prize and they just need some personal information for you to claim it, let's hope you hit delete without a second thought.

On Thursday the state's Lottery Dept. issued a warning about the email scam which can look legit if you are not aware of it.

Not only does the email use the Florida Lottery logo and headquarters' address as part of the letterhead, it also references other companies, including: LinkedIn and Microsoft.

The email states that the recipient has won a prize and should contact the listed "Contact Person" to claim his or her prize. The email asks the individual to provide general information required to claim the prize.

One he or she responds to the "Contact Person", the scammers then request financial information or say that a tax or fee needs to be paid to claim the prize.

The Florida Lottery does not contact players to inform them that they have won a prize unless they have entered a promotional game or second chance drawing on the official Florida Lottery website or social media pages.

To report a lottery scam, consumers should contact the Florida Lottery's Division of Security at (850) 487-7730.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.