FTC to Host Joint Media Availability With U.S. State Department on Annual Green Card Lottery

The Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection will host a joint media availability with a representative of the U.S. State Department on Thursday, October 9, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at FTC Headquarters in Washington, D.C. to discuss the Diversity Visa lottery, commonly known as the “Green Card” lottery, and potential scams associated with entering it. At the availability, which is open to all members of the press, the FTC and State Department will explain the Diversity Visa lottery program, which opens on November 1, and provide consumer education on how to enter while avoiding scams, both on and off the Internet. In addition, the FTC will announce a law enforcement action against an alleged Diversity Visa lottery scam artist. Specific information also will be provided on the Department’s new Diversity Visa lottery Web site.

Howard Beales
Director
FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection

Michael Regan
Director
U.S. Department of State, Office of Field Support and Liaison

Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Room 481
Washington, DC 20580

Thursday, October 9, 2003, 2:00 p.m. EST

FTC Office of Public Affairs
(202) 326-2161

Dial-in Number: 800-720-5850
Confirmation Number: 19751914
Chairperson: Bruce Jennings

CALL-IN LINES ARE FOR MEDIA ONLY