New lottery scam using BBB name

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Hundreds of Rhode Islanders are being targeted in the latest lottery scam.

These scam artists are trying a new tactic, using a real company, real names of employees, and see whether some unsuspecting consumer takes the bait.

Unfortunately, someone did and wound up losing $80,000 dollars. We know money just doesn't fall from trees and no one is just going to hand us over tons of cash for no reason!

But in this latest money making scheme, scam artists are using the Better Business Bureau name to make a fast buck.

"Unfortunately, they're using the BB name to instill trust in the individual that they're targeting," said Paula Flemming.

A few things to keep in mind:

International lotteries are illegal, and never wire money unless you know exactly who you are dealing with. Lottery scam artists will try to convince you that in order to claim your prize you have to pay costs like taxes or fees.

Don't buy into this. And don't fall for the phony lottery check. Scammers will often send a check that asks you to deposit some of it and wire the rest to an address overseas.