The Better Business Bureau is warning about a new scam that is using its name in order to steal tens of thousands of dollars from victims who are led to believe they have won a lottery.

Scammers posing as BBB employees have taken one victim for $80,000 and several other consumers have reported that they were contacted over the phone or e-mail by someone claiming they were with the organization.

According to the Better Business Bureau, these people were told that they had won a lottery and that, in order to receive the prize, they must wire money back to the scammers.

In some cases, the scammers used the names of real BBB employees --directing victims to legitimate bios and profiles on BBB's Web site -- in order to reinforce their scam.

"Many people are struggling in the current economy and when someone tells you that you've won millions in a lottery, it can seem like an answer to prayer," said Steve Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. "Every year, tens of thousands of people contact BBB about a suspicious lottery and instead of cashing in, many lose thousands of dollars they don't have."

BBB emphasizes that it does not run a lottery nor award prizes to consumers. Anyone who receives a call, letter or e-mail about winning the lottery should suspicious.