THE increasing number of lottery scams in Jamaica is “not patty shop business”, Junior Minister in the Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Ministry Julian Robinson has said.

Lottery scams aren’t new, Robinson said, but recent media reports have again brought attention to the problem which is estimated to rob people, mostly US citizens, of US$300 million at the lower end. This is a figure that some have said is closer to US$1 billion, given that many cases of lottery scamming go unreported due to shame and fear of being targeted by other scammers.

Robinson was speaking at a press briefing at the ministry this morning.

The minister said an inter-ministerial task force has been formed to address the problem, which is likely to affect the country’s tourism product and investment opportunities.

Additionally, legislation is being drafted to target those using information and communication technology to gain “unauthorised access” to people’s private information. The legislation will also allow for sanctions to be brought against those found guilty.