Troy residents have recently been hit with a flurry of letters promising incredible winnings in certain lotteries. The electronic form of this is well-known to the avid computer user, but these are delivered by way of the Postal Service. Beyond simply seeming to be more credible, this gives the would-be swindlers another opportunity to draw in their marks. By enclosing a sizable check to cover “taxes” and other costs, many have been fooled into sending in their own money to secure the winnings. The checks are not cashable, however, as they bounce, leaving the unfortunate prey with less than they started.