(WXYZ) — The Michigan Lottery is warning people about a scam where artists tell people they've won a big lottery prize but need to pay a fee to collect it.
According to the lottery, a person will get a letter, email or phone call to tell them they've won a big lottery prize, but they may pay a fee to collect it.
If someone agrees, the scammer convinces them to mail a cashier's check, make an electronic funds transfer or arranges to get the money in cash. In some cases, after getting money, they could come back asking for more.
The Michigan Lottery said it processes all prize claims for free. All players must have a valid winning ticket to claim a prize. if you haven't bought a Michigan Lottery ticket, there's no way you could win a prize.
To check if a lottery prize, offer or promotion is legitimate, members of the public may contact the Lottery's Public Relations Division at (517) 373-1237 or via email at milottery@michigan.gov.
If you believe you have been the victim of such a scam, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
