Be on the look out for sweepstake winnings notices in your mail.

Citizens in Andalusia have reported receiving letters from the "The Winners Management and Payment Centre" and checks from an AEDC Federal Credit
Union.

According to Sgt. Alice Donaldson of the Andalusia Police Department, this is a scam and warns citizens to not taken in.

The letter states that the North American States and Provinces Gaming Association Prize
Pool released their winning ticket numbers, and due to a "setback” in their computer system notification was delayed. As a result, the winner is being notified with a letter and what appears to be a valid check.

"The problem is the checks, which are drawn on AEDC Federal Credit, look real," she said. "It's coming from Tennessee, and they're targeting the elderly.

"It is fraud. They're trying to get your banking information, so they can steal your money."

The letter states that in order to claim the winnings, a processing fee and surcharges must be paid.

When a The Star-News reporter called the number on the winning notification letter, the voice on the other end gave instructions on how to collect the winnings.

"You must deposit the check into your account," the man said. "Then call us and we will tell you how
to pay the taxes on it."

The gimmick, Donaldson said, was to get you to deposit the check into your account.

"Then, the company would say they had to verify your banking information to make sure you are who you say you are,”"she said. 'Never give out your account number of social security number."

If the check is deposited into an account and is returned, the individual will responsible for any fees, as well as, other charges associated with the bogus check, she said.

If you or anyone you know has received any kind of notification or check in the mail regarding sweepstake winnings, call the Andalusia Police Department at 222-1155.