The Kansas State Treasurer’s Office is warning residents to beware of scams from people posing as government officials.
State Treasurer Steven Johnson issued a press release Thursday stating that a Kansas resident had received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Treasurer’s Office. The victim was told that he had won a sizable sum of money from the lottery, and a payment would be required to collect the winnings. The victim was directed to wire funds as well as load money onto a gift card and once payment was received, the scammer indicated the State Treasurer would visit his home to present the winnings.
Imposter scammers may call, text or email to begin their scam. They often use caller ID to deceptively appear like the communication is coming from a legitimate agency. Any request to make a payment in order to receive funds is likely a fraud. In addition, any request for payment using gift cards is never a legitimate method that would be used by a government agency.
Johnson said imposter scams are a growing trend in Kansas, and he said the State Treasurer’s office is not involved in the delivery of lottery winnings.
More information on fraud prevention is available through the web site www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud.If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be the victim of a scam, you should contact the Office of the Kansas Attorney General and local law enforcement.
