Statewide Iowa — Last month’s drawing for the Mega Millions jackpot that exceeded a billion dollars drew plenty of attention in Iowa, and now crooks are using the occasion to try and scam people via text.
Consumer advocate Lara Sutherlin says versions of this con have been around for years but criminals are trying to be timely with their message.
The scammers may claim to be the winner — or to represent the winner — and all they need you to do is contact them.
Sutherlin says Iowans need to be savvy and not fall for the trick, especially when it sounds too good to be true.
Sutherlin says the scam might change, whether they’re trying to get you to send them gift cards or get access to your banking information. The winner of the July 29th Mega Millions drawing, worth one-point-three billion dollars, has yet to come forward. Iowa Lottery officials say one ticket sold in Illinois matched all six numbers.
