The Sacramento State Police Department warned last Friday of a case of ongoing fraud involving fake checks and false promises of winning an international lottery.

Police said suspects mailed fictitious checks informing recipients they had won a market survey drawing. Police said the checks claimed to be from the University Foundation. 

The scam attempts to convince the victim to deposit the fake check, which is considered payment for tax, insurance and shipping and handling. The “winner” is then asked to send an amount equal to the check to Intercontinental Lottery Management Inc.

Victims later discover the check was fake and they are unable to recover the money sent.

Police said each incident of mail fraud should be reported to the United States Postal Inspection Service.