By TOM TREACY
Deputy Assistant State Treasurer
The Office of the Kansas State Treasurer has learned that a Kansas resident was the victim of a scam by a government imposter.
The scammer contacted the victim via phone call and claimed to be a representative of the Kansas State Treasurer’s office. The victim was told that he had recently won a sizable sum of money from the lottery. The scammer then informed the victim that collecting his lottery winnings would require a payment.
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 reputable entity. Any request to make a payment in order to receive funds is likely fraud. Furthermore, any request for payment using gift cards is never a legitimate method a government entity would utilize.
“Imposter scams are a rising trend in Kansas,” said State Treasurer Steven Johnson. “Kansans should be aware that the State Treasurer’s office is not involved in the delivery of lottery winnings.”
The Office of the Kansas State Treasurer is currently the custodian of over $640 million in unclaimed property owed to Kansans. The distribution of those funds to the rightful owners never requires fees to be paid. Individuals and businesses can search for missing money at www.unclaimedproperty.ks.gov.
Kansans can learn more about fraud prevention by visiting www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be the victim of a scam, please contact the Office of the Kansas Attorney General and local law enforcement.