Lottery Scam Using a CFPB Employee's Name

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is warning of a new scam in which intended victims are deceived by people masquerading as CFPB employees, claiming they have won a lottery. The scam has four basic components, including a call alerting victims of their "win," followed by several other calls. One such call may come from an imposter playing an CFPB employee, or someone from another U.S. government agency, to confirm the prize. The victim is later informed that they have to pay the taxes upfront to collect the prize, after which the target sends the money to pay the taxes and never hears from the callers again. CFPB personnel do not collect information about lottery or sweepstakes winnings, nor do they call people to confirm winnings. Suspicion of imposter scams should prompt people to report them to their law enforcement's non-emergency number. Any suspicions of someone being a victim of senior abuse or financial exploitation should be reported to local Adult Protective Services at eldercare.gov .