Contact 6: Jamaica con artists targeting U.S. victims

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- FOX6's Contact 6 is warning of a foreign lottery scam involving con artists in Jamaica targeting people in the U.S.

When many think of Jamaica, they picture beautiful beaches and tropical weather.

However, U.S. Postal Inspectors say the island is also a home base for a foreign lottery scam, involving con men who are now threatening their victims.

"The individuals who are actually perpetrating these schemes are incredibly violent individuals and extremely aggressive," U.S. Postal Inspector Antonio Gomez said.

U.S. Postal Inspectors say this is a troubling trend. Typically, con men involved in lottery schemes call their victims, tell them they've won a prize and then try to convince them to pay a tax or fee to collect their winnings.

The Jamaican ringleaders don't stop there.

"If there is any kind of push back from the victims, they are incredibly aggressive," Gomez said.

With new technology like Google Earth, the con artists are able to see a satellite photo of their victim's home up close, and then use that information to threaten them.

"I see you live at 1234 Main Street and I see your red door with the blue bird on it and if you don`t send us the money, we will have someone deal with you personally," Gomez said.

Postal Inspectors are stepping up efforts to combat this new crime gang and protect U.S. citizens.

"We currently are working with the Department of Justice and extraditing individuals from Jamaica to U.S. to face federal charges," Gomez said.

FOX6's Contact 6 says just say no if a con artist tries to convince you to pay a fee on the winnings in a foreign lottery or contest.