McCracken Sheriff warns of "lottery winner" scam letter

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday warned the public of a scam mailed to a county resident recently.

The sheriff's office posted on Facebook that a letter was sent with a $6,995 "check" enclosed. 

The letter claims to be from Highlight Lottery Inc. in Atlanta, and said the recipient had won a drawing worth half a million dollars. The letter also had logos of several major retail stores.

The "check" was purportedly to cover the "tax, insurance, shipping and handling on your winnings." They were then instructed to call a "claims agent" who would have undoubtedly gotten the victim's checking account number and withdrawn any amount they desired.

Instead, the resident realized the letter was a scam and contacted law enforcement.

Comments to the Facebook post included other people who have received similar letters. The sheriff's department lauded the resident for their alertness and for contacting authorities.


Contents of the scam letter:

We are pleased to inform you that you are one of the winners in the second category of the international general market survey draw held on June 12, 2023.

We therefore acknowledged receiving from the Lottery Office entry slip attached to your name with serial numbers; T4-Y2-V6-Q7, drew the lucky winning numbers; 24-01-58-37-95.

Note; you are entitled to the sum of $500,000.00 payable to you by CERTIFIED CHECK and will be deliver to you by our special courier company.

Enclosed is a check in the amount of $6,995.00 which has been deducted from your winnings. The purpose of this check is to enable you pay for the tax, insurance, shipping and handling on your winnings.

NOTE: THE BALANCE OF YOUR PRIZE WINNING IS $493,005.00

TAX AMOUNT: $6,000.00

You’re advise to call your claims’ agent; Dale Wesley

@1-709-749-4016 to begin the claim process on your winning.

Thank you and Congratulations.

Note: Do not act on this letter until you call and speak with your claims’ agent.