Beware of Lottery Scam

Sheriff Charles Roper wants to create an awareness to an influx of scams in our area related to a bogus lottery. In those cases the intended victims receive a notification letter indicating winning the prize money via an international lottery.

The recipient is then instructed to call a telephone number and speak to a representative for confirmation of the winnings. Subsequently, a check would be forwarded to the person claiming the prize money with which to pay administrative fees, etc.

This check must be cashed or deposited and when the fees are paid the bogus account is released for the balance of the prize money. The initial check returns bogus in the meantime. Reimbursement must be made by the person who received the funds.
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Most of the correspondence received in these scams originates from a foreign country with some addresses in the U.S. which are fictitious.
This is not just a local problem, but is occurring throughout the country. These crimes are very difficult to prosecute because of international connections, according to the announcement from the sheriff.

Current information is that these scams are also perpetrated by telephone, but no such cases have been reported locally so far.

It’s important to remember if you receive anything similar to this and feel it’s too good to be true, it probably is, the sheriff said. You should also contact law enforcement.

In other crime related information, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests for the period June 12 through 19:

•Beverly A. Newman, Monti-cello—driving while license suspended or revoked, possession of drugs without valid container, safety belt violations, operating vehicle without valid tag, no proof of insurance.

•Glenda Jean Walker, Dublin—without proof of insurance, drivers license not on person, operation of vehicle without current plate, tail light violation.

•Elizabeth Marie Mayfield, Monticello—possession of marijuana less than 1 oz.

•Julian Rodriguez Martinez, Jackson—driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and failure to maintain.

•Kevin Andrew Wilhite, Monticello—aggravated assault.

•Robert Lee Rodriquez, Monticello—aggravated assault.

•Victor Lopez, Monticello—driving without a license.

•William Darnell Standifer, Monticello—probation violation.

•Keisha Leigh Nobles, Monticello—holding for warrants in Dodge County.

•Teal Garcie Wallace, Monticello—deposit account fraud.

•Debbie Jean Johnson, Griffin—Jasper County Superior Court Bench Warrant.

•Jesse L. Hill, Ft. Valley—Jasper County Superior Court Bench Warrant.