I just got a phone call today from a shady lady with an accent who said I had won $750,000 ($450,000 after taxes) and gave me a number to call: 516 252 1973. I talked to an eloquent, articulant and professional mannered man named Michael Garcia who claimed to represent HCC Global in the legal dept. He said to claim my winnings I had to pay $2200 for a background check
I also got an email with a name David Cooper and number 7024873736. I thought it was all legit until I saw this forum. Now I see it's all a very well-organized scam
Received a call from national gaming from man with heavy accent. He asked me to call1866-978-6964 to receive a reward. I have been receiving mailings for 8 mos. now and regret having sent $19. to receive an award.
I will not call and waste my time since I know they will ask for money. Glad call went to voicemail.
This to inform you of the release of the 1 million dollars Las Vegas Christmas give away international draw held on November 15, 2011.
Among the 260 participating finalist play 6000 full tickets in the fifth series, from a pool of fifty million dollars ($50,000,000.00) in cash , your ticket number 26840-57 drew the lucky numbers 16-23-36-39-41, which won the prize in that category. Therefore your number had been approved for a lump sum payout of Four hundred and fifty thousand Dollars ($450,000) in cash credited to a file reference number MJ/
Prize Offers: You Don’t Have to Pay to Play!
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/telemarketing/tel17.shtm
excerpt from FTC CONSUMER ALERT
A Dozen Ways to Protect Yourself
The next time you get a "personal" letter or telephone call telling you "it’s your lucky day," the Federal Trade Commission encourages you to remember that:
Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require you to pay or buy something to enter or improve your chances of winning, or to pay "taxes" or "shipping and handling charges" to get your prize.
If you have to pay to receive your "prize," it’s not a prize at all.
Prize Offers: You Don’t Have to Pay to Play!
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/telemarketing/tel17.shtm
excerpt from FTC CONSUMER ALERT
A Dozen Ways to Protect Yourself
The next time you get a "personal" letter or telephone call telling you "it’s your lucky day," the Federal Trade Commission encourages you to remember that:
Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require you to pay or buy something to enter or improve your chances of winning, or to pay "taxes" or "shipping and handling charges" to get your prize.
If you have to pay to receive your "prize," it’s not a prize at all.