Mail scam: No, you haven't won

COEUR d'ALENE — Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden issued a warning Tuesday: Idahoans are being targeted by a fraudulent sweepstakes notification.

The notification, according to a release from Wasden's office, has been sent to at least one Idaho resident and was created to appear as though it's an official letter from the Attorney General. According to the release, the letter is dated Nov. 17, 2016, and includes a letterhead and the state seal. However, the release adds the letter is poorly written and contains numerous errors and capitalization mistakes.

Recipients of the letter are falsely informed they've won $25 million from the "Mega Millions Sweepstakes Company" and the prize money is fully registered with the "better business bureau" and the IRS.

“This notification is completely phony, and I encourage anyone who received it to either discard it immediately or forward it to my office,” Wasden advised. “No matter what, do not respond to it. It was sent by con artists who only want to trick you into paying them money.”

While the attorney general has heard from just one recipient, the release states Wasden suspects there are more.

A copy of the mailing is available at the Attorney General’s website at: http://www.ag.idaho.gov/media/consumerAlerts/2016/PhonyAGSweekstakes%20Notification.pdf

The Consumer Protection Division can be reached at (800) 432–3545 or locally at 334-2424.