A resident recently received a letter saying the person had won the 2010 United States Sweepstakes lottery along with a check for $3,995.

Information about this scam and others can be found on the Texas Attorney General’s Web site.

The next time a call or letter indicates you have just won a lottery of some sort, remember this is a scam. The enclosed check probably is not good, even though it appears to be a legitimate cashier’s check. The lottery angle is a trick to get you to wire money to someone you don’t know.

If you were to deposit the check and wire money, your bank would soon notify you the check is a fake. And you would be out any money already sent.

Money you wire can’t be recovered, and you are responsible for any checks deposited, even though you don’t know they are fake.

Remember: Do not pay to collect sweepstakes winnings. If you have to pay to collect winnings, you’re not winning -— you’re buying. Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require an individual to pay insurance, taxes, or shipping and handling charges to collect a prize.

Do not give out credit card or bank account information. Scam artists often ask for this during an unsolicited sales pitch.

Hold onto your money. Scammers pressure people to wire money through money transfer companies because wiring money is the same as sending cash. When the money is gone, there is little chance of recovery. Likewise, resist any push to send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier. Con artists recommend these services so they can get your money before you realize you have been cheated.

Phone numbers can deceive. Some con artists use Internet technology to place calls. This allows them to disguise their area code; although it might appear the call originated from the local area, they can be calling from anywhere in the world.

The bottom line is to ignore all solicitations for lottery promotions.