Each year, organized groups of criminals target and victimize thousands of Americans by telephone, e-mails and through the mail—but you can protect yourself and your family.

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Foreign lottery fraud, a criminal practice where scammers entice U.S. consumers to send money and even provide bank and credit card information, is a growing problem that can have devastating and long-lasting effects on victims and their families.

The United States Postal Inspection Service has documented over $42 million in losses from this type of fraud. In some cases, people have lost their homes and their savings by chasing the dream of a big “lottery jackpot.”

Inspector Paul Krenn advises, “One of the main techniques scammers use is a foreign lottery scam, where they tell you to send money to pay for taxes or fees. If you’ve received a suspected fraud via mail or if the mail was used to continue a crime started online, over the phone or in person, report it to The U.S. Postal Inspection Service.”

What to watch out for

Here are a few facts and signs to consider:

• Scammers are using new techniques, such as legitimate mailing lists and new technology. They “spoof” caller ID to make it look as if they’re calling from the U.S. or even a government agency.

• Older consumers, especially shut-ins, are often a favorite target for foreign lottery fraud. Look out for checks written or money wired internationally; a telephone that rings constantly; or a stack of lottery or sweepstakes entries.

• Scammers are constantly updating their methods. One of their latest tricks is to convince you that you’ve won a foreign lottery and all you need to do is wire a small processing fee (relative to the gigantic prize). Don’t—you’ll never see that money again.

• Beware of calls from foreign countries, especially if they’re calling an elderly person.

• If you or a loved one receives an unsolicited offer, hang up the phone or delete the e-mail.

• Don’t give out personal or financial information to anyone over the Internet or phone.

• Never wire or send money to anyone, anywhere, who says you have won a foreign lottery.

• Don’t let anyone pressure you into making an immediate decision.

• Never purchase anything until you get all information in writing.

Where to get help

To help people recognize and prevent frauds and scams, The U.S. Postal Inspection Service set up a website, www.deliveringtrust.com. At the site, you can educate yourself, share the information with family and friends, and report suspected fraud sent through the U.S. mail. Source: NAPSI