Call from "Agent Andrew Rogers" from the FTC, said that his phone number was 866-978-8432, and direct line 202-370-7639, extension 107. Said he was with the Attorney's office in the Federal Trade Commission.
Returned call to the 866 number - unable to complete the call. Called the 202-370 number, and connected directly to him. He wasn't talking clearly, said had to look up my file and would call back in 5 minutes. Nice to see that these people with bogus calls have so much time on their hands.
CALL FROM JOHN GARCIA FROM THE "FEDERAL CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY"TELLING ME THAT I HAVE WON $450,000 IN A SWEEPSTAKE. REQUESTING $3500 INSURANCE PAYMENT
THE CHECK HAS BEEN WAITING TO BE PICKED UP FOR THE LAST 3 WEEKS ...BUT I MUST SEND THE $3500 FIRST AS INSURANCE.....
THIS IS A SCAM. This is a version of the advance-fee-for-something scam where something is a grant, loan, scammed-money refund, lottery winnings, interest rate reduction, tax reduction, gift card, refund, doggie, cruise, vacation, free gas, etc., and the advance-fee is for tax, shipping, registration, insurance, secure handling, processing, etc. They may send you a fake check, may want your credit/debit card or bank account number, or tell you to wire cash via Western Union, Moneygram, etc. They can put recurrent difficult-to-cancel monthly charges or a 1-time charge on your card or bank account, and sell account info to other criminals and you'll have to replace accounts altogether. Wired-cash is irretrievable - once it's picked up at the other end, it's untraceable and gone. If they want you to call them up for instructions, they may tell you not to discuss the wire with Western Union desk clerks but the real reason is WU clerks are familiar with these scams and will warn you not to wire the money. Report to US Postal Service Inspectors https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/MailFraudComplaint.aspx , the Federal Communications Commission http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm , the Federal Trade Commission https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ and your state AG, as appropriate.