CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The first winners have been selected for the state’s vaccination lottery as Illinois officials warned residents about potential scams associated with the give-away.
The first $1 million cash prize winner is from Chicago, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s Office announced Thursday.
State officials will reach out to the unnamed jackpot winner. Three additional winners will receive $150,000 scholarships — one is from Dekalb County, one from suburban Cook County and one is from Chicago. The scholarships are awarded to teens.
Illinois recently joined the list of states offering lottery-style drawings as a way to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Illinois Department of Public Health, however, warned about scammers pretending to be from the state. These con artists reportedly are trying to get personal or financial information through emails or phone calls.
Meanwhile, some Illinoisans wonder how they can find out if their names are included in the drawings.
A public health spokesperson says the state relies on vaccine providers to submit the information, so the only way to be certain is to check with those providers.
The spokesperson points out only state residents who were vaccinated in Illinois are eligible.
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