Many older consumers have been swindled by telemarketers who call with the news that the consumer has won a large amount of money in a foreign lottery. All the "winner" has to do to collect is send a fee to pay processing costs, taxes or similar expenses, which can run into thousands of dollars. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the winners rarely receive any money.

The FTC recently filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to stop the allegedly illegal telemarketing practices of several companies operating out of Canada. More information regarding the FTC's actions is available on its web site at www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/10/newport.htm.