Advance Fee Scheme

The advance fee scheme is a confidence trick used to persuade the targeted person to advance small to large sums of money with the goal of obtaining a much larger payout.

Currently there are several versions of letter and emails using the California State Lottery name, address, logo and the Mega Millions logo. Most recently, the CSL – Security/Law Enforcement Division has seen advance fee letters and emails using CSL employee names. The letter usually includes a check or multiple checks to be deposited into the victims target’s account then a portion of that money is to be sent back to the address provided in the letter, email, or thru a phone call. The emails will usually have information to contact a specific person for further instructions and “verification” of the “prize winner” and their personal information.

Most financial institutions have been educated on these schemes and will recognize the fake checks when presented. Yet, there are instances where financial institutions may accept these fake checks when first presented. Once the checks are recognized as fake, the financial institutions will hold the account holder responsible for those funds and will require the funds be returned.