Full Notification

Over the past week, Officers from the Hope Mills Police Department have taken several reports from individuals that have been ‘scammed’ by individuals claiming to represent the “Worker’s Compensation Board” and the “Publisher’s Clearing House” sweepstakes company. In these scams, the victims are contacted through Facebook messenger or, text message and asked if they have received their money. The victims, when they engage in conversation with the representative, are then told to send money via Western Union to locations in other states in order to receive the full sum of money that is due to them.

The Hope Mills Police Department wants you to be aware of and, protect yourself against this type of scam. Furthermore, no legitimate company that distributes prizes, cash and other types of awards will ever ask you to send them money first. It is also important for you to know that if you are a victim of this type of scam the likelihood of recovering your money or, successfully apprehending and prosecuting the offender is exceptionally low.

If you are victim of a crime of this type please call the Hope Mills Police Department at 910-425-4103.