Beware of the Sweepstakes Game
- Don't buy just to increase your chances of winning;
- If you must play, enter without buying anything;
- The odds of winning are AT LEAST 200 million to one;
- Ask the company to remove you from their mailing lists;
- Toss Sweepstakes Mailers in the garbage.
Is Someone You Know Playing the Sweepstakes Game?
Red Flags:
- Stacks of sweepstakes mail proclaiming them a "guaranteed winner" or offering lottery tickets for sale;
- Unusual number of packages on hand containing inexpensive costume jewelry, plastic cameras or wristwatches;
- Lists near the phone detailing out prizes they’ve won;
- Telephone calls offering "fantastic" opportunities to claim prizes or make sure-fire investments.
Take Action:
- Talk to the Person. Don’t Lecture. Fraud victims may resist being criticized or humiliated and can easily reject your good advice;
- Ask them to compare the actual value of prizes they’ve won with the money they’ve spent;
- Remind them the person on the other end of the line, no matter how charming, may be a crook;
- Offer to pick up their mail to verify the sweepstakes offers they are receiving; offer to change their phone to a new, unlisted number;
- Report any victimization to the Attorney General’s Office, the nearest postal inspector, or the local police.
To get more information about sweepstakes fraud or to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office call: (800) 551-4636
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