Learn How to Protect Yourself From Mail, E-Mail or Foreign-Lottery Scams

Tips for protecting your personal and financial information from fraudsters.

ByABC News via logo
April 1, 2010, 7:47 PM

April 2, 1010— -- A 78-year-old Florida woman fell victim to a foreign-lottery scam, losing $10,000 of her money.

But authorities are completely baffled about what they say she did next.

Doris Siegel allegedly went on a five-year scam spree, bilking her pastor and friends out of more than $1 million, according to police.

Siegel is in jail on fraud charges.

Click HERE to read more about the case.

Here are some tips on how you can avoid being scammed:

If you're thinking of responding to solicitations about foreign lotteries, here's some advice: Don't.

Here's what the Federal Trade Commission has to say about such offers:

Ignore any mail, e-mail or phone solicitations for foreign lottery promotions.