Officials warn about lottery scam

A new lottery scam that targets the elderly is offering millions but instead gives nothing.

A San Diego couple lost about $30,000 to the scheme, which used an official San Diego County seal on a letter, and a photocopy of a check for $2.5 million made out to the couple. The letter told them that to get the money, they first had to pay taxes on the prize, which they did, also revealing their bank account information and Social Security numbers to the scammers, who then took everything.

It is unfortunate that these scammers are trying to take advantage of the elderly and of veterans. This sad story is a good reminder to be very skeptical and not to send money and personal information to people without first ensuring that your information will be safe and that things are legitimate.