Lottery Scam Hits Taylor County

Friday, August 18, 2006 posted 01:18 PM EDT

The British Random Lotto has hit Taylor County. But in this case, the residents are not exactly winners. Sheriff Beltner says in the past few weeks his office has received several calls about this type of scam. He says the reason this one is so alluring is because it seems so authentic.

"The checks look authentic, they look real. People need to call me," he said.

And that is exactly what Russell Rock did. Last week, his wife received a lottery letter claiming she won third prize and would be awarded $85,000, if she followed strict directions.

"They enclose a check, an actual check in the letter that is for all intents and purposes, authentic and cashable," said Rock. The check has a routing number, an actual business name and even scans at the bank. It even tells the so-called winner to cash the $3,000 preliminary check immediately.

The problem is: once the check is cashed and sent to California, it bounces -- leaving you responsible for the charges.

The Rock family did not cash theirs, but did some research instead.

"I found this exact same letter was out there everywhere."

And because of that, Sheriff Beltner has a warning for residents.

"If they get something in the mail saying here's a free check for $3,000, go cash it. Contact this office and let us do some investigating."

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