No, I’m not sending you $200,000.
An online scammer either got lazy, or wanted to try a new tactic when they started using my name as part of a common lottery scam.
The Michigan Lottery issued a warning this month about two common scams that resurface from time to time, including the kind that’s using my name (Tanya Wildt).
The scam usually begins when a person is contacted by mail, email, text or phone call by someone claiming to be a lottery prize winner, according to the Michigan Lottery. The scam artist tells the person they will share their prize if the person sends them money. If the person agrees, the scam artist convinces them to mail a cashier’s check, make an electronic funds transfer, or even arranges a meeting to get the money in cash.
In my case, it appears a scammer has found recent stories I’ve written about Michigan Lottery winners, and instead of using the winner’s name for the scam, has been using my name to lure victims.
I’ve been contacted by people via email telling me I’m offering them money.
The text message one person received said:
“i’m Mrs Tanya Wildt the Michigan winners of $500 Million in Michigan Jackpot winners; I’m donating the sum of $200,000 USD to 50 random individuals. If you get this message then your number was selected after a spin ball, Kindly text the agent incharge …”
The message’s poor grammar and request to text the agent are both red flags.
A different person alerted me after a scammer contacted them pretending to be a lottery winner…
