Powerball Scams to Avoid | Weekend Read

Each weekend, we share stories driving interest beyond one town:

Lottery Scams Increase as Jackpots Climb

Adriana and her friend had the kind of problem we all dream of, particularly when huge lottery jackpots fill the headlines. Adriana's friend had a winning lottery ticket, but she wasn't in the country legally.

At least, that's how the complicated flimflam began last week. In the end, "Adriana" and her friend bilked a Georgia woman out of $2,800 in cash.

As a country, we're increasingly suspicious of each other. Candy from strangers? No, thanks. A surprise inheritance from Abu Dhabi, via email? Delete. But the opportunity to get a piece of a big lottery prize, or even to assist in someone else's good fortune. That's a scam we'll walk into with the best of intentions.

Lottery scams are among the most popular schemes, according to the Better Business Bureau. And they spike the morning after a big jackpot drawing, like the nearly half-billion Powerball prize Saturday night. >>> Read more.

More:

• Lottery Winner's 'Unwise' Investment: Millions Of Dollars In Meth
• Winning Powerball Numbers Saturday Worth $478 Million

Mating Manatees Spotted in Sarasota’s Big Pass (Video)

A pair of mating manatees spotted in Big Pass created a stir in the Sarasota area Sunday afternoon. The gentle giants were captured on video by Sarasota Police Marine Patrol Officer Maszak.

“He worked to make sure they made it through the pass and into Sarasota Bay,” the agency wrote on its Facebook page. “If you’re out on the water, please make sure to keep an eye out for them and always obey all posted manatee zones.” >>> Read more.

Pokémon GO Takes Over Busch Gardens

Pokémon GO players have a new place to meet up and catch ‘em all courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The theme park has announced its intent to become the “ultimate Pokémon GO’ destination this summer.

Running through Aug. 7, the park is inviting Pokémon trainers to take advantage of the park’s expansive landscape to add to their collections, meet members of their teams and enjoy game-inspired drinks, food and more. Players are also encouraged to wear their team colors. >>> Read more.

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Glaze Mix-Up Led to Meth Arrest, Man Says

That sticky, sweet glaze that makes Krispy Kreme doughnuts so hard to pass by (especially when the bright red “Hot Now” light is illuminated in a store window) can also lead to a case of mistaken identity. At least that’s the contention of an Orlando man, who says he was falsely arrested last year after a cop thought doughnut glaze flakes were crystal meth. >>> Read more.