“You’ve Won the Lottery!” Or Have You? At Dirigo Federal Credit Union, your safety, especially your financial safety is our top priority. That’s why we want to remind you that if you’ve received an email, letter, or phone call saying you’ve “won the lottery” it’s worth taking a closer look. Unfortunately, scammers often use promises of big winnings to trick people into giving away money or personal information. These fraudsters are getting sneakier. They might use real company names, official-sounding logos, or even pretend to be part of organizations like the World Lottery Association (WLA). But here’s the truth: The WLA is not a lottery, and it does not give away prizes. If someone tells you otherwise, it’s a scam. Here are some red flags to help protect yourself: You didn’t buy a ticket? You didn’t win. If you never entered a lottery or sweepstakes, you can’t win it plain and simple. Check the caller’s area code. If the call is coming from another country or sounds suspicious even if the number looks local it’s likely a scam. Scammers can fake caller ID information. Watch for bad grammar and spelling. Emails or messages filled with typos or awkward phrasing are often a giveaway (pun intended). They tell you to keep it a secret? Don’t. Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require winners to keep quiet. That’s a trick to keep you from getting second opinions. Never pay to win. If they ask for money to claim your “prize,” it’s a scam. Real lotteries don’t require payment up front. Don’t share your bank info. If they say they need your account number to deposit your winnings: stop. That’s a huge red flag. Verify before you trust. If you’re unsure, don’t use the contact info they gave you. Instead, look up the real company or lottery online and reach out directly. Avoid money wire services like Western Union or MoneyGram. Once money is sent this way, it’s nearly impossible to get back and scammers know it. When in doubt don’t engage and contact us directly using a phone number you know is real like the one on the back of your debit card or the official website. The best defense against a scam is knowledge and caution. If something feels off, trust your gut. And as always, if you’re ever unsure, we’re here to help. Stop by your local Dirigo branch or give us a call, we’re happy to take a look with you and help keep your finances secure. Stay safe out there!