The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is cautioning the public about a lottery scam.
Under the scam an individual approaches a victim and claims to have won the Florida Lottery. The scammer then presents a fake winning ticket and explains that he is unable to claim the prize either because he is not in the United States legally or does not have enough money to pay the taxes on the winnings.
The person then proposes a partnership in which the victim would provide cash or property up front in return for a percentage of the ticket winnings. Occasionally the scammer has accomplices pose as strangers who pretend to overhear the conversation and encourage the victim to get in on the deal.
CCSO reminds the public that immigration status does not prevent anyone from cashing a Florida Lottery ticket. In addition, any taxes due are deducted from the winnings.
Anyone with information on this or any other scam should call CCSO at 774-4434.
