The Lott issues major statement just hours before tonight's $100m ...

The Lott has issued a new statement ahead of tonight’s $100 million Powerball draw.

The Powerball Draw 1461 Division One jackpot has hit the eye-watering amount after going unclaimed for four weeks.

Now Australians are being urged to be mindful of potential scams in the hours leading up to and following tonight’s draw.

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With a concerning spike in the rise of fraudulent AI telephone and Facebook in recent weeks, Powerball players should be wary of any unsolicited calls or communications from anyone claiming to be from The Lott.

Specifically, if anyone calls or texts you claiming that you’ve won a major Powerball and asks you to hand over personal information to verify your entry, Australians are urged to take necessary precautions.

The Lott’s Anna Hobdell has issued the statement to 7NEWS.com.au. Credit: Seven

“The Lott strongly advises customers to be aware of suspicious communication, websites, competitions, and promotions which may use The Lott or its brands without our permission,” The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell said.

“Lottery and competition scams can be delivered in person, over the telephone, through the post, by email or SMS.

“While ‘you’ve won the lottery’ is something that many of our customers want to hear, it’s important to stay alert and verify the credibility of the source of any such communication.

“If you have received what you believe may be a lottery scam, please do not reply to the communication and never release any personal information, visit thelott.com/scams to report a scam online or call us on 131 868.”

On Facebook, scams have already started circulating in the lead-up to tonight’s draw — with people pretending to be previous winners offering to give away cash.

In another scam, mobile phone users are targeted and asked to provide information to secure their lottery accounts.

On Facebook, scams have already started circulating in the lead-up to tonight’s draw — with people pretending to be previous winners offering to give away cash.  Credit: FacebookStop, Think, Protect

Scamwatch advises Australians to use its “Stop, Think, Protect” strategy when they receive calls or texts from anyone claiming to be an official representative.

Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure. Scammers will offer to help you or ask you to verify who you are. They will pretend to be from organisations you know and trust like, Services Australia, police, a bank, government or fraud service.Ask yourself, ‘Could the message or call be fake?’ Never click a link in a message. Only contact businesses or government using contact information from their official website or through their secure apps. If you’re not sure say no, hang up or delete.Act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank if you notice some unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information. Seek help from IDCARE and report to ReportCyber and Scamwatch.

If you’re concerned about your gambling or the gambling of a friend or family member, log on to Gambling Help Online or make contact via phone on 1800 858 858.

You can access online counselling as well as services in your state or territory and support for family and friends.