The World Lottery Association (WLA) has urged caution over a scam circulating around the US sector.
In a social media post this week, the WLA exclaimed ‘SCAM ALERT’ – subsequently warning US stakeholders about a scam purporting to be from the association itself.
As a global industry trade body representing over 140 government lotteries across 70 countries, including multiple US state lotteries, the WLA would be understandably concerned about the potential impact of a scam.
A successful scammer claiming to represent the WLA could defraud both lottery businesses and customers. This could also damage the WLA”s reputation, particularly at a time when lotteries find themselves the subject of legislative debate in some US states.
The WLA explained the scam taking place: “The scam takes the form of a letter sent from a fictitious WLA office in New York, that is an award claim notification of significant winnings. The letter advises recipients to call a number.
“WLA, as a trade association of regulated lotteries and sports betting operators, does not conduct lotteries or other games of chance and has no prizes or winnings to offer.”
The WLA has urged any lottery stakeholders or consumers to refrain from sharing personal information like bank details with any individual contacting them claiming to be an employee or representative of the association.
As stated above, the scam activity and the WLA”s warning comes amid legislative concerns about the integrity of lotteries in the US – though it is important to note that these have not related to scammers and instead to how lottery tickets are purchased and wins claimed.
In Texas, state legislators have been pushing through a Bill which will make it illegal for groups of individuals to bulk purchase lottery tickets increasing their chances of buying the winning one.
Meanwhile, both Oregon and Virginia are moving to protect the anonymity of lottery winners. Part of the rationale for this, and a rationale behind lottery winners being granted anonymity in other countries like the UK, is that it protects them from being targeted by potential scammers.