Full Notification

Around this time every year, any number of sweepstakes competitors advertise their annual contests through countless, ever-enticing, marketing techniques to garner large numbers of participants. Unfortunately, their aggressive and seductive methodologies, especially in these dire economic times, also provide a plethora of opportunities for those who religiously prey upon the innocent. Typically, the ubiquitous foreign accented, cold-hearted schemers, conjure up any number of diabolical ploys to ruse the hard earned income from others, specifically those who are most vulnerable and unsuspecting; the elderly. This year is no different than those in the past.

The smooth talking miscreants employ traditional deceptive techniques of soliciting the “winners” financial information, i.e. bank account numbers, credit card numbers, etc. to facilitate untraceable transfers to collect their “prize”. More recently, they direct the supposed “winners” to purchase Green Dot cards as a prerequisite to receive their “prize”. Once the “winner” purchases the required number of cards for the specified amounts, they are directed to call a specific telephone number, one usually with an 876 area code, which is answered by the scam artist or an accomplice who merely ask for the Green Dot card numbers for confirmation of the purchase. They immediately upload those card numbers into their personal Green Dot account and once the “winners” card numbers are transferred to the perpetrator’s account, the “winners” cards are devoid of currency and rendered useless. Thus, the “winner” went from “prize winner” to victim in a matter of minutes.

Often times, the “winners” will never hear from the purported sweepstake’s representative ever again but on occasion, depending upon the eagerness and naivety of the “winner”, they will induce the “winner” to secure additional Green Dot cards in furtherance of the scam. Unfortunately, many cases have lasted for several years leaving countless “winners” who have lost thousands of dollars believing they were following the requirements necessary to receive their “prize”. Sadly enough, despite family or law enforcement intervention along the way, there are many “winners” who persist in believing their “prize” is forthcoming and cannot be convinced otherwise.

Although every sweepstakes contest is different, none of the legitimate games ever require the “winners” to pay anything up front to receive their prize. If there are any fees or taxes associated with winning a prize, they are automatically subtracted beforehand. It’s that time of year folks. Please be wary of the deceptive tactics of these scoundrels! Be safe!.....CAB