State And Regional

Ohio Lottery warns players their info may have been hacked

A man purchases Mega Millions lottery tickets at the Bi Rite market in Olmsted Township, Ohio on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013. Superstition didn't deter players hoping that Friday the 13th will bring them good luck in the Mega Millions game as heavy sales prompted lottery officials to boost the estimated jackpot to $425 million. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Lottery is urging customers and retailers to be cautious after a cybersecurity incident last month.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘Integrity of our games is the top priority;’ Ohio Lottery gives update on cybersecurity incident

As News Center 7 originally reported, the incident happened on Christmas Eve and affected some of the Ohio Lottery’s internal implications.

The Ohio Lottery issued a warning on Thursday saying it believes someone obtained information belonging to customers and retailers and that they should be cautious when it comes to their credit.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we urge customers and retailers to be vigilant in monitoring their account statements for fraudulent or irregular activity,” the agency said in a statement.

>>ORIGINAL COVERAGE: Ohio Lottery investigating ‘cybersecurity incident’ impacting mobile cashing, more

They said the incident did not any Ohio Lottery games or the technology systems on which the Lottery operates, and it remains safe to purchase tickets.

The Ohio Lottery adds it is working quickly to restore all cashing options soon.

It says anyone with winning tickets over $599 should mail them to the Ohio Lottery Central Office in Cleveland for payment or use the Ohio Lottery mobile app.

The Ohio Lottery says it will notify any affected individuals as quickly as possible.

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