The United States Federal Trade Commission has issued an alert for consumers of services that claim that, for a fee, they can increase one’s chances of winning the US State Department’s annual green card lottery. According to the FTC, consumers the deceptions include the following:
- falsely stating special expertise or a special application form is required to enter the lottery;
- falsely stating that the company has never had a lottery entry rejected;
- falsely stating that the company can increase the chances of becoming a “winner”;
- jeopardizing the applicant’s opportunity to participate in the lottery by filing multiple entries; and
- trying to force lottery-winning applicants to pay substantial fees to complete the visa and green card application process.
The FTC’s position is consistent with what is noted at the Siskind and Susser Lottery Page – namely, that most people are capable of entering the lottery on their own. If you use the services of an attorney or business, it should be for convenience or logistical reasons, not because the business or attorney promised to improve your chances. If you believe you are the victim of fraud concerning the green card lottery, contact the FTC’s New York Regional Office at 212-264-1207.
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