It’s a problem that law enforcement is dealing with statewide, and in communities across the country. With Christmas right around the corner, it’s an opportune time for con artists to trick people into thinking they have just won $7,000 a week for life from Publishers Clearing House.
Sgt. Ed Buns, of the Hamilton Police Department, said instead of getting a bundle of cash delivered to your house by the so-called Prize Patrol, people are more likely on the verge of being conned out of their money by these scammers.
“We are starting to get calls that residents are receiving phone calls from someone who claims they are winners in the Publishers Clearing House,” he said. “These calls are a scam. The caller wants the supposed winner to pay them a sum of money, typically several hundred dollars to complete a transfer of money into their bank account.”
He added that it’s not out of the ordinary for fictitious award notifications to arrive via mail, and in the social media age, many of the phony award letters show up via Facebook or Twitter.
“Again, this is a scam. Never give out any person information. Do not give your name, personal information or any bank information,” Buns said. “Do not become a victim or allow anyone you know to be victimized.”
Attorney General Mike DeWine and the Federal Trade Commission have issued warnings that people should be on the lookout for these types of scams, but not just on the holidays, because they are prevalent year around.
The FTC released a report stating that there’s been a scam involving people receiving calls from someone claiming to be from the agency who is handing out money from the government or international lottery - the catch is that the so-called prize winner must wire a large sum of money to cover the costs of shipping for the jackpot.
The Ohio Attorney General’s office has handled more than 24,000 complaints this year involving consumer protection, with many of the problems surrounding the areas of billing, misrepresentation, failure to deliver, poor service or shoddy work, and refund problems. The IRS scam involved residents receiving calls from someone claiming to be from the IRS by the name of “David Gray,” and wanting money for back tax problems.
“Understanding your rights as a consumer can help you avoid scams and make the most of holiday shopping,” DeWine said. “We want to help consumers identify potential problems.”
Consumers also can contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515 for assistance.
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