Caution! That is the message of a new link on the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL) Web site.

The new page focuses on how to avoid lottery scams.

"We are hoping that this Web page provides citizens with valuable information that can help them avoid becoming a victim of a lottery scam," said Tom Shaheen NCEL executive director. "We want people to play the lottery responsibly and know that their money is being used to fund education programs in North Carolina."

The site provides guidelines and suggestions for citizens on what to do when they are contacted by telephone, letter or e-mail and they are uncertain if the message is legitimate.

Some of the suggestions include tips for players such as: "Never redeem a lottery ticket for someone you do not know" or "If you are going to participate in a lottery pool, do so only with people you know and trust."

It also lists common scams and how to find the truth. In addition, citizens can link to other Web sites for more resources and information on scams.

For more information about the site or NCEL, visit the official NCEL Web site at www.nc-educationlottery.org and click on the link on the right side of the page, or call (919) 715-6886.