There has been an increase in US Diversity Visa Lottery email scams.
The US Embassy Spokesman said consular personnel at the U.S Embassy in Suva are aware of the increase and Immigrant Visa Chief Cyndee Crook cautions all Diversity Visa Lottery, locally known as green card lottery, entrants to be wary of emails claiming to be sent from the United States Department of State informing recipients that they have won the visa lottery or requesting the payment of any fees.
The US Embassy spokesman said the Department of State never informs lottery winners by email.
The only manner an entrant can be sure they have won is through an Entrant Status Check.
The spokesman said this check can only be done online at www.dvlottery.state.gov and requires entrants input the unique confirmation code given at the time of entrance into lottery.
He also said the U.S. Department of State will never request money to be paid online in relation to any stage of the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa