Rizk Law | | Consumer Alerts

On Saturday March 15th, during National Consumer Protection Week, citizens can bring up to two boxes or bags of documents to be shredded to the Portland Police Bureau’s Southeast Precinct, located at 4735 East Burnside Street, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Each year during NCPW, federal, state, and local consumer protection agencies, together with consumer organizations and industry associations, launch consumer protection and education efforts around the country.

Foreign Lottery Schemes Target Older Americans

During NCPW this year, the United States Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service are partnering with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to educate consumers about foreign lottery schemes that target older Americans. Foreign lotteries are illegal. A federal statute prohibits mailing lottery tickets, advertisements, or payments to purchase tickets in a foreign lottery.

Anyone can be a victim of fraud, but scammers often target those whom they perceive as vulnerable, often those who are older or cognitively challenged.

This year, the goals for NCPW are to:

  • Increase the awareness of older Americans and their caregivers about the dangers of foreign lottery schemes
  • Give consumers valuable information about protecting their assets from fraudsters
  • Provide a central location where consumers can report suspected fraud

How to Protect Yourself from Fraud

An educated public is the first line of defense against fraud. Postal Inspectors tell older Americans and their caregivers, if you are contacted by a foreign lottery (by mail, email, or telephone, asking you to send money by wire, check, money order, or cash) to:

  • Hang up the phone, don’t respond to the email, or shred the solicitation.
  • Don’t give out personal or financial information to anyone over the Internet or phone.
  • Never wire or send money to anyone, anywhere who says you have won a foreign lottery.
  • Don’t let anyone pressure you into making an immediate decision.
  • Never purchase anything until you get all the information in writing.

Rizk Law – Ph: 503.245.5677.

Author: Rizk Law
Rizk Law

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