Arkansas Scholarship Lottery issues warning over possible video call scam
The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has issued a warning to players about a new video call scam that is targeting unsuspecting individuals. The Executive Director of the ASL, Sharon Strong, emphasized the importance of players being cautious and vigilant in light of this scam. The fraudulent caller pretends to be a lottery representative, promising million-dollar winning tickets to random phone numbers. Strong stated unequivocally that this is a scam and clarified that legitimate lottery tickets can only be purchased from authorized ASL retailers. The lottery does not distribute winning tickets or offer monetary rewards over the phone.
Players who participate in the Play It Again Second-Chance drawings through The Club in the official AR Lottery + Club app may receive legitimate notifications about their winnings. This feature only applies to non-winning instant tickets that have been entered into the second-chance drawing. Winners will be contacted directly by a lottery representative, and they can verify their win on The Club’s Drawings and Winners page. It is crucial for players to be wary of unsolicited messages claiming unexpected prizes or winnings from drawings they did not enter. Additionally, players should never disclose personal information or visit any location other than the ASL Claim Center to collect their winnings or pay associated fees.
In the event that a player is contacted by a suspected scam caller, they are encouraged to reach out to the ASL Investigations and Enforcement Director, Blake Hudson, for assistance. Hudson can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by calling the ASL Security Hotline at 1-888-606-6296. Furthermore, players should consider filing a formal complaint with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division to report any instances of lottery fraud.
Recent news reports have highlighted the need for increased awareness among lottery players to protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. By remaining vigilant, verifying the legitimacy of any communications regarding lottery winnings, and reporting suspicious activity promptly, players can safeguard themselves against scams and ensure a secure gaming experience. The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery remains committed to consumer protection and encourages players to exercise caution when presented with unexpected offers or solicitations related to lottery prizes.