According to a report by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) the vast majority of those affected by sweepstakes and fake lottery schemes are senior citizens. The 65 and older age group annually lose millions of dollars in these types of scams, but anyone can be a victim. The most important thing to remember may be that if you get a notification that you have won a prize in a contest you don’t remember entering, that should be a red flag, noting you’ve got to play to win. BBB Investigator Don O’Brien says if you are scammed once, chances are they will try again.
“Unfortunately, if you have been scammed before, you get put on what is called a suckers list, that you have been suckered once and they are going to try and sucker you again and they will try and get you. They victimize you again. You really have to keep your antenna up if you have been scammed in the past because then they are going to come back at you and try and get you.”
He reminds no legitimate lottery or sweepstakes will ask for an upfront fee to claim a “prize,” and be wary of communication that seems off. You won’t be notified that you are a winner and have to respond or act within 24 hours to collect your so-called prize.
***Courtesy of farmweeknow.com***
