#megamillions New scam falsely promises “free” $1 million from Mega Millions online

October 20th, 2015

Scammers falsely using Mega Millions name and logo

Release date: 10/21/2015

A new scam is making the rounds on social media, e-mail and other avenues that claims "Mega Millions is giving free $1 million jackpot online instantly."

This scam is not connected in any way to the real Mega Millions game. Lottery officials strongly warn people not to click on any links associated with it.

Some of the scam e-mails contain the link megamillioncheck.com or megamillioncheque.com. These addresses and anything similar are not affiliated in any way with the real Mega Millions. Again, lottery officials strongly warn people not to click on any links on these sites.

The only way to play Mega Millions and possibly win a prize is to buy a Mega Millions ticket from a state lottery or a licensed retailer in one of those states. Mega Millions is played in 46 jurisdictions: 44 states plus the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. If you do not buy a ticket, you cannot win.

The Federal Trade Commission has more information on fake lottery and other scams at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0086-international-lottery-scams. To file a complaint or get free information call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). If you have been the victim of a scam, contact your local police or sheriff's office or state police.

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This press release is mirrored from http://www.megamillions.com/. We do not own a copyright on it and we are not the original press contact.